Ireland stayed on course for an unprecedented third successive Six Nations title with a 32-18 win over Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday.
Ireland's 11th straight victory over Scotland means they are the only team left in the Six Nations with a chance of completing the coveted Grand Slam.
But this latest win was overshadowed by a first-half clash of heads between Scotland co-captain Finn Russell and teammate Darcy Graham that took both backs out of the game.
A big W on the road! 👊#TeamOfUs pic.twitter.com/9VjDi1QKdM
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 9, 2025
By that stage, and not for the first time in this fixture, Ireland's pack had established early dominance as the visitors surged into a 17-0 lead.
Scotland, to their credit, rallied either side of halftime to reduce Ireland's advantage to 17-11.
However, further Ireland tries from wing James Lowe and replacement Jack Conan put the result beyond doubt as 21-year-old fly-half Sam Prendergast, shaky in an opening 27-22 win over England in Dublin last week, justified the faith shown in him by interim coach Simon Easterby with an assured display.
Nashy in the corner! 💪#TeamOfUs pic.twitter.com/y8hpMrWu48
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 9, 2025
Defeat left Scotland, who launched their Six Nations by beating Italy 31-19 in Edinburgh, still looking for their first win over Ireland since a 27-22 success at Murrayfield in 2017.