Ireland kept alive their hopes of winning the Six Nations by claiming a hard-fought bonus-point win over Scotland in Dublin on Saturday evening.

The 26-5 win moves Ireland, at least in the interim, three points clear of France into first place on the Six Nations table. In order to claim the title, Ireland will need England to beat France in Paris in the final match of the tournament.

The Test at the Aviva Stadium was played at a frenetic pace from the off, with both teams giving the ball plenty of air and creating a good number of try-scoring opportunities.

After a breathless start, Ireland opened up a 14-0 lead through tries from hooker Dan Sheehan and prop Cian Healey as Johnny Sexton converted both.

Scotland fired back late in the half when Pierre Schoeman reached over from short range and the visitors saw off the Ireland attack as the hosts went into the break 14-5 ahead.

There was a controversial moment in the second half when the TMO brought up images of Schoeman appearing to use his arm in a carry, but it was correctly dismissed by referee Wayne Barnes, who reasoned that the prop was bracing against a high tackle from Iain Henderson.

Stuart Hogg had an opportunity to bring Scotland back into the match, but his decision to back himself despite having a three-on-one proved wrong as he was tackled short of the tryline. That decision was quickly punished by Ireland as the hosts extended their lead through flank Josh van der Flier’s try.

In a dramatic finish, Scotland lost scrumhalf Ben White to a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on and Ireland took full advantage as Connor Murray burst over the tryline to secure the four-try bonus point.

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