By the time the final whistle blew in this match, most of the crowd at Murrayfield had long since adopted the thousand-yard stare of Bill Murray in Groundhog Day, forced to relive the exact same experience for the gazillionth time, with no expectation that things will ever be different.

In fact, this was only Scotland’s 11th consecutive loss to Ireland. But it was potentially their most depressing yet. With home advantage, a backline which even shorn of Sione Tuipulotu packed enough star wattage to power the Edinburgh grid and an Ireland team who had shown some vulnerability against England the previous weekend (albeit only for about half an hour), hopes were as high as ever that Scotland could at least give their bogey team a game. It is the hope that kills you.

Ireland were far too good for Gregor Townsend’s men, far too strong, far too savvy. It is increasingly obvious that reports of their demise during the autumn were grossly exaggerated. Ireland remain firmly on course for an historic ‘three-peat’ – that dreadful Americanism which has sadly infiltrated sport. In fact, they must now be considered favourites to claim a hat-trick of titles, something no nation has ever achieved in the men’s game, not since the original Home Nations launched in 1883. After France’s slip-up at Twickenham, and with the French having to travel to Dublin this year, the Grand Slam is Ireland’s to lose.

Scotland were dispatched with a minimum of fuss. A rousing pre-match ovation for Sir Chris Hoy, the Olympic legend who is battling terminal cancer, gave the occasion a poignant feel. But Ireland do not deal in sentimentality.

Ireland overwhelmed the hosts in an embarrassingly one-sided first half, scoring two tries via winger Calvin Nash and captain Caelan Doris, and could have had a hatful more. They only scored three points while Duhan van der Merwe was in the bin for barging Nash into touch off the ball. Twice Scotland held them up over the line. But Scotland never looked like they believed.

The hosts were extremely unfortunate to lose their own captain Finn Russell and the livewire Darcy Graham midway through the first half after they collided with each other. The latter left the field on a stretcher, wearing a neck brace, and had to go to hospital for further checks. “We believe there are no issues around his neck, it’s more checking the concussion, we’re hoping there are no broken bones in his face,” Townsend reported.

But even the loss of two such influential players does not excuse a largely toothless performance which will raise further questions for Scotland’s head coach. The knives were firmly out by the finish. “That was painful,” wrote former international Ruaridh Jackson on X. “So inaccurate, no gameplan, no edge. We seem to be wasting this golden age of players. Really can’t see us taking the final step forward unfortunately. Ireland are so detailed, accurate, aggressive.”

Apart from a brief spell either side of half-time when Scotland scored 11 unanswered points – Van der Merwe touching down brilliantly in the corner (see the video below) and Blair Kinghorn, who in fairness had a very good game, converting two further penalties – it was one-way traffic, as it has been so often in this fixture in recent years.

Ireland were dominant at the breakdown, winning 102 rucks to Scotland’s 65, and far more clinical when they had the ball. James Lowe and Jamison Gibson-Park were brilliant again, as they were last week, while Sam Prendergast, Ireland’s 21-year-old fly-half, who had a difficult afternoon against England in Dublin, looked far more assured here, showing his full range of passing, and kicking all but one of his attempts at goal. Andy Farrell, watching on from the stands, would have enjoyed his man-of-the-match performance, having fast-tracked his promotion.

Lowe and replacement Jack Conan added further tries in the second half as Ireland wrapped up the bonus point by the hour mark, with Ben White scoring a late consolation for Scotland. The atmosphere had long since evaporated by that stage, as Groundhog Day set in. “No one is more disappointed than me,” Townsend reflected, denying that Scotland were “back to square one”.

In some respects it may help that Scotland’s next fixture is at Twickenham. Townsend’s men have won four consecutive games against the Auld Enemy and victory in that fixture would go a long way to erasing the memory of this defeat. But patience is wearing thin. Scotland have pulled that rabbit out of the hat before.

As for Ireland, the green juggernaut rolls on. They visit Wales next before that clash against France in Dublin which will surely determine whether or not they win a Grand Slam. “There is an opportunity which has been well documented and we’ve got to make sure that we prepare in the right way for Wales and go their with the same sort of mindset that we came here with,” Ireland’s stand-in head coach Simon Easterby said when asked about that possibility. Like his team, he was on autopilot.

Match details

Scoring sequence: 0-5 Nash try; 0-7 Prendergast con; 0-10 Prendergast pen; 0-15 Doris try; 0-17 Prendergast con; 5-17 van der Merwe try; 8-17 Kinghorn pen; 11-17 Kinghorn pen; 11-22 Lowe try; 11-24 Prendergast con; 11-29 Conan try; 11-32 Prendergast pen; 16-32 White try; 18-32 Kinghorn con

Scotland: B Kinghorn, D Graham (J Dobie 21), H Jones, T Jordan, D Van der Merwe, F Russell (S McDowall 21), B White; R Sutherland (P Schoeman 48), D Cherry (E Ashman 48), Z Fagerson (W Hurd 68), J Gray (G Brown 48), G Gilchrist (S Skinner 68), M Fagerson, R Darge (c), J Dempsey (J Ritchie 61)
Yellow card: van der Merwe 14

Ireland: H Keenan, C Nash (J Crowley 65), R Henshaw, B Aki (G Ringrose 58), J Lowe, S Prendergast, J Gibson-Park (C Murray 70); A Porter (C Healy 70), R Kelleher (D Sheehan 41), F Bealham (T Clarkson 61), J Ryan (R Baird 65), T Beirne; P O’Mahony (J Conan 52), J Van der Flier, C Doris (c)

Referee: J Doleman (NZL)

05:41 PM GMT

Thanks for joining us

That brings our coverage of this Six Nations contest to an end. Thank you for joining us!

05:41 PM GMT

‘Yellow made it tough’, says Townsend

Discussing the injuries to his players, Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has told BBC Sport:“Finn [Russell is] fine. He actually passed his HIA but our staff sensed he wasn’t totally aware of what was going on, so we made the call to not put him back on.

“Darcy [Graham] is at hospital now, I’ve not had an update. I think everything was OK with his neck but they were checking out concussion.

On the players who came in their place, he said: “Both Stafford McDowall and Jamie Dobie did really well, and Tom Jordan going to 10 did well too.

Discussing how the game went, he said: “When they (Ireland) had the ball, they scored. The yellow card made it tough for us to get back in the game. Then the injuries disrupted things.

“I felt the players were building back into the game, but once Ireland got back into our 22 they showed how clinical they are. When you are behind on the scoreboard against a quality side, you need to make sure they don’t get more opportunities.

“We’ll get learnings. Accuracy would be the number one thing.”

05:35 PM GMT

‘A sore loss’, says Scottish skipper

Discussing the loss of Finn Russell and Darcy Graham in the first half, Scottish captain Rory Darge has told BBC: “Obviously it’s tough to deal with. Two very important players going down.

“Hopefully they’re all right. I think they’re both okay but I’m not sure.”

On the difference between the two sides, he said: “The boys hung in there but we’re obviously disappointed with the result in the end.

“The difference was probably their clinicalness in the finish zone. We had a few opportunities, showing a little bit, but not taking them or converting them into scores.”

On preparations for England next up, Darge said: “Initially with the week off, get some time away. That’s a sore loss we’ve to take on the chin.

“But by the time we come back into camp, make sure that we’re ready to go.”

05:29 PM GMT

‘Ireland’s rugby IQ is amazing’, says Barclay

Former Scotland captain John Barclay has said on BBC: “Ireland are one of the most detailed orientated and cohesive sides. It is also the decision-making and work off the ball.

“The level of detail and rugby IQ in that team is amazing.”

05:27 PM GMT

WATCH: Van der Merwe’s spectacular finish

05:22 PM GMT

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05:20 PM GMT

Skipper satisfied with win

Speaking to BBC, Ireland captain Caelan Doris said: “There is a feeling of satisfaction after that one.

“We spoke about starting fast as Scotland are a dangerous team. We did that well.

“The competition within the squad is great and it continually pushes the standard up in training.”

05:19 PM GMT

‘It felt like a 40-point victory’, says O’Gara

Former Ireland fly-half Ronan O’Gara has said on BBC: “If you’re looking for a formula of how to go away and win in the Six Nations I think you should study that.

“It was ruthless from minute one. Total domination. Scotland didn’t get any in. Normally in a Test match the lead changes hands a couple of times and it’s in the balance.

“Today the biggest surprise is that it finished 32-18. It felt like a 40-point victory and maybe if Ireland need to, I think they’ve another couple of gears to go.”

05:17 PM GMT

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Ask it here and come back on Monday lunchtime for the answer.

05:17 PM GMT

WATCH: Lowe try stifles Scottish comeback

05:15 PM GMT

‘Wasn’t perfect’ says Prendergast

Ireland fly-half Sam Prendergast, who has been given the player of the match award, has said: “It was an unbelievable game and a savage atmosphere. The anthems were pretty special.

“I thought we started unbelievably in the game. We put so much pressure on. We did really well in the second half when they got their purple patch to come back.

“It wasn’t perfect from us but it was better than last week and we’ll keep trying to get better week on week.”

05:14 PM GMT

Where this leaves us

Ireland go four points clear at the top of the standings as the only side to have won both of their games. They have also picked up a winning bonus point in each of their victories.

France and England are level on six points following the dramatic win for Steve Borthwick’s men last night, one point clear of Scotland who remain in fourth.

Italy trail the Scots by just a point after their win over Wales on Saturday while Warren Gatland’s men are at the foot of the table, but are on one point having picked up a losing bonus point.

05:12 PM GMT

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05:08 PM GMT

‘Scotland way off it’, says Barclay

Former Scotland captain John Barclay has said on BBC: “Scotland had to be somewhere near their best and they were way off it.

“Scotland were poor and at the breakdown they were dominated. Ireland were also very good and clinical.”

05:04 PM GMT

Brutal for Scotland

Well that was brutal. Apart from a spell either side of the break when they scored 11 unanswered points, Scotland barely threw a punch (the superb Blair Kinghorn apart).

The fans near me are shuffling away with heads bowed. The Darcy Graham-Finn Russell first-half incident was unfortunate but that does not excuse Scotland, who would have hoped for so much more.

05:03 PM GMT

Full time: Rot goes on for the Scots

Ireland go top of the standings with an 11th successive win over Scotland as they take a step closer to a third Six Nations title on the spin.

The holders were completely dominant and the scoreline flatters Scotland really, it could and should have been a bigger deficit.

05:00 PM GMT

Full time: Scotland 18 Ireland 32

Ireland earn the scrum in the Scottish half and they may have the last laugh here as Sam Prendergast is awarded the player of the match award.

Scotland win it back but a handling error from Dobie gives Ireland the scrum and that will be that. No, they decide not to kick it out with the clock in the red and go hunting for more.

Henshaw goes for the grubber kick through but it runs beyond the try-line and that does bring the game to an end.

04:55 PM GMT

TRY! White barges over for Scotland

Scotland 18 Ireland 32 (White) Scotland do make the line-out pay! They maul really well to go within a couple of metres before scrum-half White barges over.

Kinghorn converts from under the posts and they are now within two converted tries with four minutes to go. Too little too late? Probably.

04:53 PM GMT

75 mins: Scotland 11 Ireland 32

Ireland are penalised at their own scrum and Scotland take the free-kick quickly inside the Irish 22. After six phases they have been forced back 10 metres back.

They earn the penalty advantage though with Sheehan the one penalised. Van der Flier forces the turnover but play is brought back and the hosts kick for touch down their right.

They have the line-out five metres out, can they make it pay?

04:48 PM GMT

Penalty! Prendergast takes Ireland 21 clear

Scotland 11 Ireland 32 (Prendergast) Scotland have the scrum, just inside their own half, but Hurd is penalised for rolling his shoulder and Ireland have the penalty.

Prendergast is going to kick for the posts from a long way out and it’s a superb strike that takes his team 21 points clear.

04:45 PM GMT

68 mins: Scotland 11 Ireland 29

Ireland force the handling error from Scotland following the line-out but as the ball goes loose, Porter spills it and the home side have the scrum. The pressure from Ireland has just been relentless though.

Crowley, who has come on for Nash, has a wonderful first contribution as he plucks a high kick from the air under pressure from the Scottish chasers.

04:42 PM GMT

65 mins: Scotland 11 Ireland 29

Ireland are superb in the breakdown to force the foul but it’s a rare mistake from the holders with their line-out not coming in straight.

They soon have the scrum at halfway though and Prendergast produces a wonderful kick that finds touch deep in the Scottish 22. Not a 50-22 but still a great knock from the fly-half.

04:38 PM GMT

TRY! Conan extends the visitors’ lead

Scotland 11 Ireland 29 (Conan) The attack was scrappy but Gibson-Park then opts for the box and Keenan does superbly to beat Kinghorn in the contest just under the posts.

Ireland have the penalty advantage as the ball goes loose but they don’t need it as they reclaim possession and shift the ball to the right to substitute Conan who charges over the line.

Prendergast misses the conversion, surprisingly.

04:35 PM GMT

59 mins: Scotland 11 Ireland 24

Ireland are unhappy as they give away the foul shortly after the restart, but after several attacking phases from the hosts, Bealham forces the Scottish foul for not releasing in the breakdown.

It’s all a bit untidy as Ireland come forward with the ball going loose a couple of times.

04:32 PM GMT

TRY! Lowe responds for the visitors

Scotland 11 Ireland 24 (Lowe) Ireland shift the ball out to the right following the scrum before coming back out to the left with some really slick passing.

Lowe picks it up, 10 metres inside the left flank, and steps past Kinghorn with some great footwork before charging over the line. The full-back had to do better though in the tackle.

Prendergast, who played a wonderful pass in that move, converts to take Ireland 13 clear.

04:29 PM GMT

48 mins: Scotland 11 Ireland 17

Scotland knock the ball on and Ireland have the scrum in a promising position inside the hosts’ half. They win the free-kick in the scrum and Gibson-Park takes it quickly but Scotland force the turnover.

Ireland win it back though and threaten down the left. The ball is moved swiftly on to Gibson-Park and he goes for the small kick and chase over Kinghorn but the full-back has the pace to turn and win the race.

Gibson-Park manages to bring him down though and Ireland have the scrum five metres out.

04:26 PM GMT

Penalty! Scotland chip away at deficit

Scotland 11 Ireland 17 (Kinghorn) Scotland have the scrum though, just over five metres out. Can they make it count? The ball is worked out to Dobie on the right and he makes the dart for the line as he steps inside but he can’t quite cross.

The play is brought back though for an earlier foul by Ireland and Scotland decide to kick from under the posts. Kinghorn converts and the hosts continue to chip away at that lead just a little bit more.

04:23 PM GMT

48 mins: Scotland 8 Ireland 17

Scotland work it superbly out to their left and Jones bursts through the Irish defence before popping it off to Kinghorn to the outside of him.

The full-back stretches his legs and chooses to just dummy the pass to Van der Merwe as he reaches the 22 before being tackled to the ground.

Henshaw is then penalised for a knock-on in the tackle. There is a TMO check for whether it was intentional but the officials rule that it wasn’t. Murrayfield disagrees.

04:19 PM GMT

45 mins: Scotland 8 Ireland 17

Scotland come out on top following the Irish line-out and there is a sense they have the momentum at the start of this second period.

Gibson-Park and Prendergast are then sloppy with their handling and the noise inside Murrayfield goes up another level.

04:16 PM GMT

Penalty! Kinghorn reduces deficit

Scotland 8 Ireland 17 (Kinghorn) Scotland break into the Irish 22 and win the penalty advantage in front of the posts with Ireland judged to have not rolled away in the breakdown.

The ball is spilt as Scotland work it out to left flank but it is brought back and they will kick for the posts. Kinghorn makes no mistake from a central position.

04:14 PM GMT

41 mins: Scotland 5 Ireland 17

We are back underway at Murrayfield with Scotland kicking things of going from left to right. Can they mount an unlikely comeback in this second period?

04:13 PM GMT

Half-time analysis

That van der Merwe try on the stroke of half time has given Scotland a lifeline but it feels like a huge ask to turn this around.

It was a miserable first half for the hosts. One thing you cannot do is allow this Ireland team a big headstart but the visitors were immediately allowed to settle into a rhythm.

Prendergast is already looking far more assured than he did last weekend against England. Ireland have scored two and could have had a hatful more.

Scotland have also lost Darcy Graham and Finn Russell - two potential matchwinners - to injury.

Can Scotland build on that van der Merwe try? Their points average across their 10 successive defeats to Ireland over the last seven years is just 11.5 so 17 already feels like a lot and Ireland are unlikely to stop there.

They still have guns like Dan Sheehan and Jack Conan to bring on from the bench.

04:10 PM GMT

WATCH: Scotland get on the board

04:08 PM GMT

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Ask it here and come back on Monday lunchtime for the answer.

04:07 PM GMT

‘Everything difficult for Scotland’, says Johnson

Speaking on BBC, former England captain Martin Johnson has said: “Everything has been difficult for Scotland. Kicking, holding onto the ball and winning their own line-out. That is just Ireland.

“I thought they might be a bit flat after a big win last week, but it has been anything but. They steamrolled Scotland in the early stages.”

04:00 PM GMT

Half-time: Scotland 5 Ireland 17

That try was the last action of the half and it was a crucial moment for Scotland to get themselves on the board following a really dominant half from the visitors.

03:59 PM GMT

TRY! Van der Merwe gets one back for Scotland

Scotland 5 Ireland 17 (Van der Merwe) Scotland go to within six or seven metres but Ireland get the decision in the breakdown have the scrum.

Ireland though, still just a few metres from their own line, give away the penalty in the breakdown and the hosts take it quickly.

They put together a swift move to work the ball out to Van der Merwe on the left flank. With the tackles coming in, he leaps for the line and just about touches the ball down with his legs in touch but, crucially, in the air.

Kinghorn hooks wide though with the attempted conversion.

03:54 PM GMT

Huge task for Scotland now

Mountain to climb for Scotland now. The guy in front of me has just gone for a re-up of Tennent’s lager. Could be a long afternoon.

03:54 PM GMT

38 mins: Scotland 0 Ireland 17

Henshaw is penalised for being in an offside position in the breakdown but after kicking into touch, Scotland fail to threaten.

Moments later though and Doris is penalised for not rolling way in the breakdown and Scotland once again opt to kick for touch.

The Irish captain was not happy with that decision, suggesting the Scottish players had bought the decision.

03:51 PM GMT

34 mins: Scotland 0 Ireland 17

There is confirmation that Russell has failed his HIA so he will not be returning to the field of play this afternoon following his collision with team-mate Graham, who has been taken off on a stretcher here with a head brace on.

03:49 PM GMT

TRY! Captain Doris gives Ireland control

Scotland 0 Ireland 17 (Doris) As Ireland work it from right to left following the line-out, the move breaks down with Prendergast but it’s judged to have been a knock-on in the tackle and Ireland have the scrum inside the Scottish 22.

As the scrum moves round, Ireland have the penalty advantage. But they don’t need it as they work the ball out to the left flank before popping it back inside to Doris who charges over for their second try of the day.

Prendergast converts with a lovely strike and Ireland have a 17-point lead. Thoroughly deserved.

03:44 PM GMT

29 mins: Scotland 0 Ireland 10

It’s Porter this time who charges down the Scottish kick and once again it pings out into touch with Scotland now having a line-out just in front of their own line.

Their kicked clearance only finds touch just outside their 22 and Ireland have the attacking line-out. Scotland are really struggling to get out of their own half.

03:43 PM GMT

28 mins: Scotland 0 Ireland 10

O’Mahoney does well to force the turnover before Prendergast sends a kick way, way down the pitch.

Jordan eventually retrieves the bouncing ball inside his 22 but his kick is charged down by Nash and Scotland now have the line-out on their 22.

Great work from the visitors.

03:41 PM GMT

27 mins: Scotland 0 Ireland 10

Kinghorn does superbly to take Ireland’s long kick under pressure from Nash. Murrayfield aren’t happy as Kinghorn goes down but it was just a good contest between the two players.

Aki is penalised moments later for an infringement off the ball and Scotland can find touch in the Irish half. Can they penetrate the 22?

03:38 PM GMT

Penalty! Prendergast extends Ireland’s advantage

Scotland 0 Ireland 10 (Prendergast) Ireland win the penalty advantage in the breakdown soon after the game restarts. They work the ball out to Nash, who is forced back by Scotland, but play is brought back for the penalty.

The visitors opt to kick for the posts this time to get the scoreboard moving and Prendergast makes it two from two from the tee.

Replays show Graham gave a thumbs up as he made way, which, again, is a good sign. Van der Merwe is back on following his yellow card.

03:35 PM GMT

22 mins: Scotland 0 Ireland 7

Graham will be taken off on a stretcher here with a head brace on but he has reportedly been speaking to the medical staff which is a good sign. Murrayfield gives the winger a warm round of applause as he makes way.

03:32 PM GMT

Home fans want more

Some levity provided by a fan in front of the press box who has just roared. “Come on Scotland, do you know how much we paid for these tickets?”

03:31 PM GMT

22 mins: Scotland 0 Ireland 7

Russell is making his way off the field for a HIA but Graham is still on the floor and appears to be in more discomfort.

There will be quite a lengthy break in play here.

03:30 PM GMT

Quiet at Murrayfield

Crowd very quiet at Murrayfield. This was not the blood and thunder start they were hoping for. The cheers have mainly been reserved for defensive wins - Darcy Graham’s thunderous tackle on Robbie Henshaw, Scotland twice holding Ireland up over the line etc

03:29 PM GMT

22 mins: Scotland 0 Ireland 7

Ireland work the ball out to the left and Lowe shows great pace and strength to hold off a challenge and burst down the flank but Gibson-Parker spills the fizzed pass inside by the winger.

Russell and Graham are both down after colliding in that latest move and they will both require some attention here.

03:28 PM GMT

21 mins: Scotland 0 Ireland 7

Prendergast does superbly to charge down Kinghorn’s kick with Scotland inside their own 22. The ball pinballs around but Scotland do just manager to scramble it away.

Ireland have the penalty though but once again they are held up as they reach the line. They will be keen to capitalise on this early pressure.

03:26 PM GMT

19 mins: Scotland 0 Ireland 7

Kinghorn threatens down Scotland’s left as the hosts reach the 22 but Ireland can turn it over and Keenan thumps clear.

The full-back does excellently a moment later as he takes the long kick just outside the 22, meaning he can’t call the mark. But he steps his man before clearing into the Scottish 22 on his weaker foot.

Russell can only find touch.

03:23 PM GMT

17 mins: Scotland 0 Ireland 7

Ireland again opt to kick for the corner, down their right this time. As they push for the line they are held up by Scotland who survive this Irish attack.

As Ireland come back, Scotland are able to win the penalty in the breakdown through Graham and Russell can find touch in the Irish half.

03:21 PM GMT

Yellow card! Van der Merwe penalised

Scotland 0 Ireland 7 It’s Kinghorn who makes the handling error but this time it could be more damaging for the hosts as Nash kicks the ball towards the try-line.

The ball just about remains in play and the winger wins the race before nudging it over the line with another kick but he is then pushed to the floor by Van der Merwe and there is a TMO check for this one.

The Scottish winger sees yellow and it’s a penalty for Ireland. However, it’s not a penalty try with the referee deeming Nash probably wouldn’t have reached it. Ireland aren’t too happy with that one.

03:16 PM GMT

13 mins: Scotland 0 Ireland 7

Ireland kick into touch just beyond halfway and despite momentarily losing out, they are quickly attacking down that left-hand side once again following a handling error from Russell.

Scotland do cope with this attack though and can clear into touch around halfway. There is a brief pause in play with White receiving some treatment.

03:13 PM GMT

12 mins: Scotland 0 Ireland 7

Ireland knock-on from the restart but Scotland are penalised for a pushing a player into Keenan, who was competing for the ball.

Beirne then makes way for a head injury assessment (HIA). Ireland will really hope that is nothing too serious.

03:10 PM GMT

TRY! Nash gives Ireland an early lead

Scotland 0 Ireland 7 (Nash) Ireland opt to kick for the corner rather than taking an early three points. Aki spills it but Ireland once again have the penalty advantage with Scotland penalised for collapsing the maul.

They kick for the corner once again and Ireland quickly have another advantage as they get to within a metre of the line following the line-out.

The visitors work it to the right and Prendergast plays a huge pass out to Nash on the right flank and the winger has acres to cross in the corner.

Prendergast then converts to give Ireland a seven-point lead.

03:06 PM GMT

6 mins: Scotland 0 Ireland 0

Henshaw drives superbly following the scrum as he brushes aside a couple of challenges and carries his side into the Scottish 22.

After a number of attacking phases, the outside centre then takes his team to within a couple of metres of the line.

The attack breaks down as Ireland work it out to their right but play is brought back for a previous offside by the home side.

03:04 PM GMT

4 mins: Scotland 0 Ireland 0

Kinghorn nearly pulls off a superb kick and chase but he fails to pick-out Graham to his outside after gathering the ball in to his grasp.

Prendergast’s crossfield kick is intercepted by Van der Merwe but the play is brought back for a knock-on by Kinghorn and Ireland have the scrum on halfway.

03:02 PM GMT

Magnificent ovation for Hoy

Magnificent ovation for Sir Chris Hoy. What a legend that man is. Nicest bloke in sport.

03:01 PM GMT

1 min: Scotland 0 Ireland 0

We are underway at Murrayfield with Sam Prendergast and Ireland kicking things off going from left to right.

This should be a fabulous match-up this afternoon.

03:00 PM GMT

Chris Hoy delivers match ball

A special moment as multiple Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy brings the match ball onto the field to a wonderful ovation from the Murrayfield Crowd.

02:58 PM GMT

Kick-off nearly here

It’s now Scotland’s turn to give a wonderful rendition of their national anthem with the sounds of a bag pipe from high up, upon one of the stands. Kick-off is just moments away.

02:57 PM GMT

Plenty of talking points this afternoon

So many interesting talking points today. Fascinated to see how Sam Prendergast goes after a patchy performance in Dublin last weekend. Ireland clearly believe he’s the real deal. His selection has Andy Farrell’s fingerprints all over it and it feels as if it would take a major wobble to bring Jack Crowley back in at 10. Still only 21, though, and this is his first away game in the 6N. Scotland will target him, as England did.

Ireland will undoubtedly start as favourites but the feeling persists that the men in green are not quite where they were a couple of years ago, and Farrell’s absence for this tournament may yet prove significant.

If Scotland can get parity up front, disrupt Ireland’s lineout (something England palpably failed to do), rattle Prendergast, defend like lions, and take their chances, they could end their jinx. If.

02:55 PM GMT

Players out on the pitch

The players have made their way out of the tunnel to an electric atmosphere at Murrayfield this afternoon. Up first is the national anthem of Ireland.

Kick-off is now just five minutes away!

02:53 PM GMT

Farrell watching on

The camera has picked out Andy Farrell sitting in the crowd this afternoon rather than in the dugout, with the Ireland boss now on Lions duty. Will his absence be more apparent this week than it was last time out?

02:50 PM GMT

Exclusive: Hastings on how rugby has helped with loss of wife

Scotland’s former player Scott Hastings has discussed the importance of rugby and the support it has provided him in helping with the loss of his wife.

“What is great is this magic rugby community that I am part of, which pulls together. I have some great friends in the media and broadcast arena,” he said.

“The fact that I am still involved in the game gives me a big thrill. I am passionate about the game.

“It gave me so many skills and opportunities to meet friends throughout the world, and those friends are there every single day for me.”

Take a look at Telegraph Sport’s exclusive interview with the former Scotland great here.

02:46 PM GMT

Doris on record over Scotland

Discussing Ireland’s impressive record over Scotland, the Irish captain Calean Doris said on Saturday.“I don’t think there’s any room for that [complacency], given the respect we have for them.

“You hear that outside noise about our record against them, but it hasn’t been talked about in here and we’ve been preparing for a proper Test match.

“We’ve seen what they’ve been about over the last number of years, most recently last weekend. Especially at home there’s that extra element.

“Their attack is very dangerous,” added Doris.

“They attack with quite a bit of width and flair. Their counter-attack, with the wings and back three in general.

“You’re seeing some of the tries Duhan van der Merwe has scored, Darcy Graham as well is a massive threat and Blair Kinghorn, too. We’ll have our hands full.”

02:43 PM GMT

Jordan a ‘brilliant player’, says Jones

Scotland’s Huw Jones is confident fellow centre and Glasgow team-mate Tom Jordan will excel on his first Test start.

He told BBC Sport:“We’ve had a massive week of prep for this one. We know it’s going to be a huge challenge, we’re keen to get going.

“TJ is a brilliant player. We all know at Glasgow what he can do, the aggression he brings. I’m looking forward to playing with him today.

“We need to be at our absolute best. We know the challenges they bring.”

02:41 PM GMT

Tuipulotu absence could ‘tip game in Ireland’s favour’, says McCloskey

Scotland’s captain Sione Tuipulotu has been ruled out of this year’s Six Nations after suffering a pectoral muscle injury.

Ireland’s Stuart McCloskey, who is also missing out this afternoon through a hamstring injury, has said the absence of the Scottish skipper could “tip the game in our favour”.

“I think we’ve had, touch wood, the number over Scotland over the last few years and I think [Sione] Tuipulotu being out for Scotland as well is going to be massive,” said McCloskey.

“So that I think hopefully tips it in our favour.”

He added: “He’s probably the form 12 in Europe, if not the world, over the last six months or so.

“Losing a guy like that, a guy that a lot of their shape goes around as well, I think he takes a lot of pressure off Finn Russell.

“Losing a guy like that is always going to affect your team, especially when he’s such a fulcrum for what they do in attack.”

02:38 PM GMT

Townsend plays down needle

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has played down any needle that exists between the two teams this week.

“Teams want to build up something to provide extra motivation, so maybe it’s more on the Irish side or the Irish media side that there’s this rivalry or needle to give them extra motivation on why they want to win again,” Townsend said.

“Obviously they’ve won this fixture a number of times but we say this every game, we respect Ireland a lot, admire what they’ve done over the last few years, but it doesn’t stand out as a needle game for us.”

02:36 PM GMT

Head to head

The Irish have won 10 successive Test matches against Scotland.

Their last defeat against the Scots came at Murrayfield in the Six Nations in 2017.

The Scots have won four of their 25 matches against Ireland in the Six Nations, losing 21.

02:33 PM GMT

The scene at Murrayfield

02:30 PM GMT

‘Better performance needed’, says Easterby

Interim Ireland head coach Simon Easterby: “We’re always continually trying to evolve, as are Scotland and they showed in the autumn that they can mix it with the best.

“It’s been spoken about outside the camp but we’re just trying to focus on getting our own game in order and delivering a better performance than we did against England because that’s what it’ll take to beat Scotland in Murrayfield.”

02:26 PM GMT

Quite the welcome for the visitors

02:22 PM GMT

Townsend on losing run against Ireland

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has said: “It’s hard to break the cycle but once you’ve broken it, it just becomes another match.

“A lot of it is about what we would do differently, but we also understand that Ireland have been a top team now for a while and it’s harder to break that cycle when the team you’re playing against has been that good and has that experience.”

02:17 PM GMT

Got a question for James Haskell and Mike Tindall?

Ask it here and come back on Monday lunchtime for the answer.

02:14 PM GMT

Scotland win would blow championship wide open

After a minor mishap with my accreditation (turns out they weren’t expecting me but I’ve managed to convince them I’m a legit journalist) I’ve made it into Murrayfield.

Really looking forward to this one. England’s win over France yesterday has put the cat amongst the pigeons. A Scotland win today would blow the championship wide open. Grey and dreary here. But should be some fireworks later.

02:11 PM GMT

As things stand

France and England lead the way on six points, having triumphed in one of their two matches so far and picking up a bonus point in each.

Scotland and Ireland are level on five points heading into this one thanks to their bonus point wins on the first weekend of action.

Italy trail by just a point after their win over Wales on Saturday while Warren Gatland’s men are at the foot of the table, but are on one point having picked up a losing bonus point.

02:05 PM GMT

So far this weekend

Wales fell to a 14th successive defeat as they were beaten 22-15 by Italy in Rome on Saturday, taking them one step closer to back-to-back Wooden Spoons.

In Saturday’s later kick-off, England scored a 79th-minute try to beat France 26-25 in dramatic fashion and keep their hopes of a first Six Nations title since 2020 alive.

02:01 PM GMT

Winning starts

Scotland survived an Italy comeback in their opening Six Nations match last weekend, as Huw Jones scored a hat-trick of tries to give the hosts a bonus-point 31-19 win at Murrayfield.

Meanwhile, Ireland scored three tries in a dominant second-half display as they started their bid for an unprecedented third successive Six Nations title with a 27-22 bonus-point victory over England in Dublin.

01:57 PM GMT

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01:52 PM GMT

Those teams in full

Scotland: 15-Kinghorn, 14-Graham, 13-Jones, 12-Jordan, 11-Van der Merwe; 10-Russell (co-capt), 9-White; 1-Sutherland, 2-Cherry, 3-Z. Fagerson, 4-J. Gray, 5-Gilchrist, 6-M Fagerson, 7-R Darge (co-capt), 8-Dempsey.

Replacements: 16-Ashman, 17-Schoeman, 18-Hurd, 19-Skinner, 20-Brown, 21-Ritchie, 22-Dobie, 23-McDowall.

Ireland: 15-Keenan; 14-Nash, 13-Henshaw, 12-Aki, 11-Lowe; 10-Prendergast, 9-Gibson-Park; 1-Porter, 2-Kelleher, 3-Bealham, 4-Ryan, 5-Beirne; 6-O’Mahony, 7-Van der Flier, 8-Doris (capt).

Replacements: 16-Sheehan, 17-Healy, 18-Clarkson, 19-Baird, 20-Conan, 21-Murray, 22-Crowley, 23-Ringrose.

01:47 PM GMT

Holders make three changes

Ireland interim boss Simon Easterby has also made three changes to the side which started in the win over England last weekend as Nash, Henshaw and O’Mahoney come in for Hansen, who is out with a hamstring injury, Ringrose and Baird.

01:42 PM GMT

Three changes for Scotland

There are three changes to the Scotland side which started in the victory over Italy as head coach Gregor Townsend brings in Jordan, making his first Six Nations start, Sutherland and Dempsey.

01:37 PM GMT

Preview: Can Scots stop the rot against holders?

Good afternoon and welcome to live coverage of the Six Nations as Scotland host Ireland at Murrayfield, with Gregor Townsend’s side looking to end a 10-match losing streak against the holders. Ireland, who are bidding for an unprecedented third successive title, were last beaten by Scotland in the 2017 Six Nations and have won 21 of the 25 meetings between the countries in the competition.

Both sides got off to winning starts last weekend as Scotland survived a late Italian comeback to secure a bonus point victory at Murrayfield while Ireland produced a dominant second-half display over England in Dublin to also earn themselves a bonus point triumph as they started their title defence.

The holders were without their head coach Andy Farrell, who is on British and Irish Lions duty, but they appeared unaffected by his absence as they registered a 13th win from their last 14 Six Nations ties under the guidance of  interim boss Simon Easterby. The hosts this afternoon also have a run of results to boast of though, having won eight of their nine Tests since being beaten by Ireland in the 2024 championship.

They were, however, dealt a huge blow ahead of the tournament with their captain Sione Tuipulotu being among the many ruled out through injury. Since the 27-year-old’s debut in 2022, Townsend’s men have won just two Six Nations games without him in the side, with both victories coming against Italy.

With England defeating the French in dramatic fashion on Saturday, the two sides know that victory this afternoon will be enough to see them go to the top of the standings, at least three points clear of their challengers.