Prendergast pulls the strings as Ireland scent third straight title

The song remains the same for Scotland. The sound of bagpipes had drifted around Murrayfield, Flower of Scotland was belted out with customary passion, and the inspirational figure of Chris Hoy even delivered the match ball.

- Luke McLaughlin

But when showtime arrived Ireland were simply too good, too physical, too precise. The reigning champions recorded an 11th straight victory over Scotland to top the table with two bonus-point wins, pleasingly poised for a third successive title.

There had been a sense of triumph in the way Hoy, diagnosed with terminal cancer last year, strode on to the pitch for an emotional pre-match ovation. Hope existed among home fans that this might, finally, be their day against Ireland. And while there were flashes of brilliance, particularly Duhan van der Merwe's stunning finish before half-time, Scotland's back line is not complemented by a pack that can compete with the best.

It did not help that Scotland lost their fly-half, Finn Russell, and the lightning quick wing Darcy Graham to an early clash of heads. But there was inaccuracy from the hosts too, and the scrums brought endless pain.

Sam Prendergast is also growing into the role of Test fly-half, kicking 12 points and displaying intelligent distribution throughout.