A dominant Ireland seized control of the Six Nations as they continued their supremacy over Scotland with an 11th consecutive victory.

Simon Easterby’s side remain on course for a grand slam after the opening two rounds of the tournament, backing up a win against England with a controlled, cohesive and calm performance at Murrayfield. A final score of 32-18 only half reflects their dominance across most of the contest, with a fast start setting up a victory that rarely seemed in doubt.

Scotland endured a disastrous opening half-hour, barely able to escape their own 22 and losing Finn Russell and Darcy Graham to injury after a nasty head clash. With Duhan van der Merwe also sin-binned, there were fortunate not to be more than 17 points down and showed spirit to rally to within seven of their visitors after the interval. But tries from James Lowe and Jack Conan powered Ireland to a bonus point and continued their hoodoo over Scotland, with Sam Prendergast mightily impressive throughout on his second Six Nations start at fly half.

Re-live all of the action from Murrayfield with our live blog below:

Scotland vs Ireland LIVE

• Ireland continue Six Nations supremacy over Scotland with 11th straight win

• Visitors dominate virtually from start to finish to continue hunt for historic third straight title

• TRY! Scotland 0-7 IRELAND (Calvin Nash, 7 minutes)

• TRY! Scotland 0-17 IRELAND (Caelan Doris, 31 minutes)

• TRY! SCOTLAND 5-17 Ireland (Duhan van der Merwe, 40 minutes)

• PENALTY! SCOTLAND 11-17 Ireland (Blair Kinghorn, 49 minutes)

• TRY! Scotland 11-24 IRELAND (James Lowe, 55 minutes)

• TRY! Scotland 11-29 IRELAND (Jack Conan, 60 minutes)

• FULL TIME: Scotland 18-32 Ireland

Supreme Ireland continue hunt for Six Nations history as Scotland found wanting again

17:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ireland bolstered their hopes of a third successive Six Nations title as they made it 11 wins in a row over Scotland with a ruthless bonus-point 32-18 triumph at Murrayfield.

The Scots endured a disastrous first half in which they allowed the dominant Irish to build a 17-0 lead through tries from Calvin Nash and captain Caelan Doris while also losing three of their most influential backs: Duhan van der Merwe to a yellow card, and both talismanic co-captain Finn Russell and wing Darcy Graham to head injuries.

Scotland rallied just before and just after half-time, with a Van der Merwe try and two Blair Kinghorn penalties bringing the hosts back to within six points at 17-11.

But Ireland soon reasserted their authority with further scores from James Lowe and substitute Jack Conan securing the bonus point and taking the game beyond the Scots, who added a late consolation through Ben White.

Supreme Ireland continue hunt for Six Nations history as Scotland found wanting again

Ireland captain Caelan Doris reflects on victory

17:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

"There is a feeling of satisfaction after that one,” Doris tells the BBC.

"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."

Ireland fly-half Sam Prendergast named player of the match

17:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“It was an unbelievable game and a savage atmosphere,” Prendergast says after a very composed showing. “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."

FT: Scotland 18-32 Ireland

17:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Onwards Ireland go in their hunt for history. That’s 11 straight against Scotland now - how Gregor Townsend must agonise over this fixture, his side just never quite seeming to be able to produce their best against this particular foe.

They had a fair-bit of il-fortune today with those early injuries to Finn Russell and Darcy Graham, but Ireland had controlled affairs until then and seldom looked like slipping thereafter. They seize control of the championship.

FULL TIME: Scotland 18-32 Ireland

17:05

Scotland 18-32 Ireland 80 minutes

17:01 , Michael Cooke

Final score here in Murrayfield 32-18 for Ireland as they win their 11th consecutive Six Nations game vs Scotland, topping the table after the second week of the tournament

Scotland 18-32 80 minutes

16:59 , Michael Cooke

Sam Prendergast the Man of the Match for Ireland as they look to see out the final minutes of the game.

They make ground off a solid scrum but Scotland turn it over. Scotland try to attack from deep but cannot hold on.

Irish scrum which could be the final act of this game

Scotland 18-32 Ireland 76 minutes

16:55 , Michael Cooke

Try Ben White for Scotland. A clever snipe from the scrum half and he takes two Irish men over the line with him.

Kinghorn adds the extras and Scotland race back to their half to prepare for the kick off.

An interesting final few minutes to come

Scotland 11-32 Ireland 74 minutes

16:53 , Michael Cooke

Scotland with a penalty advantage on the Irish 22m line as they continue to fight to take something from this game.

They kick to the corner and have an attacking lineout

Scotland 11-32 Ireland 70 minutes

16:50 , Michael Cooke

We head into the final 10 minutes and Scotland build pressure from an attacking lineout, Ireland do well to disrupt and win the turnover in their own 22

Scotland 11-32 Ireland 68 minutes

16:49 , Michael Cooke

Prendergast strikes the penalty perfectly from 46m out and pushes Ireland past 30 points at Murrayfield.

Scotland 11-29 Ireland 69 minutes

16:47 , Michael Cooke

Irish penalty on half way, they opt for a kick at goal

Scotland 11-29 Ireland 68 minutes

16:46 , Michael Cooke

Scotland continue to pile pressure as they send a box kick high, beautiful take by Crowley in the air.

Scotland do well to weather the following attack and win a scrum after holding up an Irish player and preventing the ball coming back

Scotland 11-29 Ireland 66 minutes

16:43 , Michael Cooke

Jack Crowley takes the field for Ireland to replace Calvin Nash and Garry Ringrose moves to the wing. Calvin Nash one of Ireland’s try scorers today

Scotland 11-29 Ireland 62 minutes

16:40 , Michael Cooke

Not straight again from Dan Sheehan, Scottish Scrum on the halfway, important set piece for the hosts

TRY! Scotland 11-29 IRELAND (Jack Conan, 60 minutes)

16:38 , Michael Cooke

Another Ireland score as they seize control of the contest once more! Clever kicks in behind set up Hugo Keenan for a great catch, he gets taken out in the air which gives them the advantage. To the right they move it wide, with Jack Conan providing the try-scoring biff.

Prendergast misses a simple conversion and it remains 29-11 to Ireland, who now have a bonus point.

Scotland 11-24 Ireland 57 minutes

16:35 , Michael Cooke

Scotland throwing loose balls looking to open up the ruthless Irish defence, they keep the ball well but the Irish are too good over the ball.

Finlay Bealham too strong over the ball and he wins it for the Irish. Irish lineout in a good attacking position.

Garry Ringrose takes the field in the centre for Ireland.

Scotland 11-24 Ireland 55 minutes

16:33 , Michael Cooke

Prendergast converts, Ireland beginning to stretch away despite all of Scotland’s efforts.

Scotland kick off and look to apply more pressure after winning an important penalty and lineout

TRY! Scotland 11-24 IRELAND (James Lowe, 55 minutes)

16:31 , Michael Cooke

Ireland try from James Lowe! They built through phases after a penalty advantage from the scrum and Ireland made use of the overlap.

Prendergast converts, Ireland beginning to stretch away despite all of Scotland’s efforts.

Scotland 11-17 Ireland 52 minutes

16:29 , Michael Cooke

Irish pressure after a frantic few phases see’s Jameson Gibson-park chip and chase down the wing but it is well covered by Kinghorn who is tackled in goal.

Irish attacking scrum on the Scottish 5m line

PENALTY! SCOTLAND 11-17 Ireland (Blair Kinghorn, 49 minutes)

16:26 , Michael Cooke

Scottish scrum leads to penalty in front of Irish posts, continuous pressure causing the Irish some problems.

They opt for 3 points from Kinghorn’s boot and they close the gap once again.

Scotland 8-17 Ireland 47 minutes

16:24 , Michael Cooke

Scotland make brilliant break from scrum after a cut out ball leaves Robbie Henshaw in no man’s land. Blaire Kinghorn held up just short of the line after a dummy and after great Irish covering defence.

A knock on in the tackle results in great field position for Scotland and an attacking scrum where they can threaten the Irish defence once again

Scotland 8-17 Ireland 46 minutes

16:20 , Michael Cooke

More Scottish pressure forces Ireland to box kick out of their 22 after some heavy tackles on fly half Prendergast in the backfield.

The scrum battle continues and it is Scotland in possession around the half way line

Scotland 8-17 Ireland 44 minutes

16:18 , Michael Cooke

Penalty successful by Kinghorn, Scotland closing the gap early in this second half.

Scotland clear their lines from the kick off and it results in an Irish Lineout, won by Scotland as Dan Sheehan misses his first throw in of the game

Scotland 5-17 Ireland 42 minutes

16:16 , Michael Cooke

Early Scotland lineout and they take it round the corner and build phases, Ireland will have to be disciplined to withstand the early pressure.

Scotland looking rejuvenated and inspired by a penalty advantage, a sure chance to add more points.

Blaire Kinghorn will take a shot at goal 20m out in front

Scotland 5-17 Ireland 40 minutes

16:14 , Michael Cooke

Second half now underway as Scotland kick us off and begin their fight to reduce this 12 point deficit

HT: Scotland 5-17 Ireland

16:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Phew. A hectic half full of incident and action, with Ireland totally dominant for 40 minutes but not quite out of sight after that superb Duhan van der Merwe finish. It feels a big ask for Scotland to win from here after losing Finn Russell and Darcy Graham to injury - but they are just about still in it and will hope the interval allows them to refresh and reset.

Ireland have just seemed to have much more energy and intensity, allying that to their superior kicking game to win the territorial battle. Keep it up and they’ll head into the first fallow week top of the Six Nations table.

HALF TIME: Scotland 5-17 Ireland

16:03 , Michael Cooke

TRY! SCOTLAND 5-17 Ireland (Duhan van der Merwe, 40 minutes)

15:59 , Michael Cooke

Scotland try!! Duhan van der Merwe dives into the corner for an outstanding try after an Irish scrum does not go to plan and the hosts get a penalty.

Tom Jordan with the assist from an excellent miss pass, allowing Van der Merwe to finish quite superbly despite Sam Prendergast’s valiant tackle attempt.

Blair Kinghorn cannot add the extras and that spells the end of the first half.

Scotland 0-17 Ireland 39 minutes

15:57 , Michael Cooke

Scotland’s maul is expertly taken down by Ireland and their chances of points this half are wasted.

Scrum Ireland 5m from their try line, who will look to secure possession and see out the half in which they have been totally dominant

Scotland 0-17 Ireland 37 minutes

15:54 , Michael Cooke

Scotland kick to the corner from an ill disciplined Bundee Aki at the breakdown, they lose their lineout and are sent back to their half through James Lowe’s massive left boot.

Scotland looking more of a threat and gain a penalty in a good position to score points. James Ryan the player penalised. They opt for a lineout 5m from Ireland’s line

TRY! Scotland 0-17 IRELAND (Caelan Doris, 31 minutes)

15:49 , Michael Cooke

The last ten minutes of the first half begin with Ireland feeding a scrum inside the Scottish 22, a great attacking platform. Ireland look a threat with the power of their pack coming storming around the corner.

Try Ireland! Over Caelan Doris goes. Over the number eight bashes in from close range with Scotland unable to sustain their effort, and Prendergast adds the extras.

Scotland 0-10 Ireland 29 minutes

15:45 , Michael Cooke

Ben White looks to box kick without proper protection and it is charged down by Andrew Porter, it rolls into touch for a Scottish lineout on their 5m line and they can clear their lines.

Kicking game from Ireland causing Scotland all sorts of problems in this first half

Scotland 0-10 Ireland 27 minutes

15:42 , Michael Cooke

Scotland look to build phases but cannot keep the ball in hand, Ireland gather and opt to box kick. Blaire Kinghorn taken out in the air but it is judged a fair contest which the crowd do not agree with.

Scotland gain a much needed penalty and Tom Jordan kicks to touch. Jordan comes into fly half to cover for Russell during his HIA.

Scotland now look to be gaining some momentum but once again lose the ball and Sam Prendergast clears it down field.

PENALTY! Scotland 0-10 IRELAND (Sam Prendergast, 23 minutes)

15:39 , Michael Cooke

Penalty successful from Sam Prendergast, who pushes Ireland’s lead to ten points.

Scotland 0-7 Ireland 22 minutes

15:38 , Michael Cooke

Darcy Graham receives ovation from crowd as he is stretchered off due to his head on head collision with Fin Russell.

Game restarts with a goal line drop out from Scotland and Ireland are back on the attack.

Penalty advantage Ireland comes to nothing so we go back to the penalty. Prendergast will take a shot at goal for Ireland from 35m out.

Scotland 0-7 Ireland 21 minutes

15:32 , Michael Cooke

An Irish attack results in a knock on after a brilliant James Lowe break down his left wing, Fin Russell and Darcey Graham clash heads in an attempt to scramble in defence and both men will need medical attention whilst time is stopped.

Darcey Graham still remains down receiving medical attention but Fin Russell has managed to walk off.

Scotland 0-7 Ireland 20 minutes

15:28 , Michael Cooke

Great hands from Scotland sees them build some attacking phases, before Russell sends a kick high to Hugo Keenan.

An attempted 50-22 by Keenan stopped by Russell who sends a kick back to find touch around the halfway line. Lineout Ireland.

A charge down from Sam Prendergast results in a penalty from accidental offside and pressure relieved by Scotland.

Ireland get held up over the line after a clever quick tap move, Scotland clinging on to the few chances created so far

Scotland 0-7 Ireland 16 minutes

15:24 , Michael Cooke

Jack Conan takes the field as HIA cover and Ireland Return to the attack, moving the ball skillfully testing the Scottish defence.

Huge hit on Calvin Nash and massive Scottish defensive pressure earns them a well deserved penalty and they retrieve their attacking lineout. Number 12 Tom Jordan does well with a powerful carry to get them on the front foot

Yellow card! Duhan van der Merwe is sent to the sin bin! Scotland 0-7 Ireland, 14 minutes

15:21 , Michael Cooke

Yellow card for Duhan Van De Merwe! The officials send the wing to the sin bin for his barge in the back, but there is no penalty try with no certainty that Calvin Nash would have grounded his toe ahead.

Ireland kick to the corner and drive their maul ever closer to the line, but the ball is held up brilliantly by Scotland.

Finn Russell relieves pressure with a goal line drop out for Scotland.

Scotland 0-7 Ireland 13 minutes

15:19 , Michael Cooke

First missed lineout of Ireland’s campaign sets up another box kick for White, retrieved by Scotland after James Lowe could not gather.

Scotland are on the attack and spill the ball, Calvin Nash hunts it down and uses his football skills to kick the ball into Scotland’s goal area.

Potential foul play after an appeal for a shove in the back from Duan Van De Merwe on Nash.

Scotland 0-7 Ireland 10 minutes

15:15 , Michael Cooke

Scotland camped in their 22 and look to exit through the boot of Ben White who expertly finds touch but is tended to by medics after a knock to the head.

Lineout to Ireland on halfway, a furious first opening 10 minutes at Murrayfield

Scotland-0-7 Ireland 9 minutes

15:13 , Michael Cooke

Sam Prendergast clinically converts to put Ireland ahead in the first exchanges in Murrayfield.

Fin Russell kicks off, Matt Fagerson gives away penalty from a push in the back of Peter O’Mahony and Ireland clear their lines.

Beirne goes off for a HIA and is replaced by Ryan Baird.

First scrum for Scotland on their 40m line results in a spilled ball collected by Jameson-Gibson Park

TRY! Scotland 0-7 IRELAND (Calvin Nash, 7 minutes)

15:10 , Michael Cooke

Ireland peel away from their lineout, another offside advantage, fantastic long pass from Prendergast to Calvin Nash on the right wing gives him an easy walk in try.

Scotland 0-Ireland 5 minutes

15:07 , Michael Cooke

First scrum to Ireland on halfway, Ireland go through the phases and are threatening the Scottish line.

Scotland under pressure as they scramble to defend their line.

Irish Penalty after an offside advantage. Clinical attack from Ireland so far, they opt to go for the lineout on Scotland’s 5m line

Scotland 0-0 Ireland 2 minutes

15:04 , Michael Cooke

Blair Kinghorn with an excellent chip and chase down the right touchline but couldn’t gather.

Ireland send it high with a box kick from Jamison Gibson-Park and it forces a knock on from Scotland

KICK OFF!

15:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Up and running in Edinburgh.

Scotland vs Ireland

14:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Kick off is drawing ever nearer at Murrayfield. Can Scotland finally end their Ireland hoodoo and set up a proper title charge?

Scotland vs Ireland match officials

14:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Referee: James Doleman (NZ)

Assistant Referees: Ben O’Keeffe (NZ) & Pierre Brousset (Fra)

Television Match Official: Richard Kelly (NZ)

Foul Play Review Officer: Andrew Jackson (Eng)

Scotland vs Ireland referee: Who is Six Nations official James Doleman?

No extra rivalry: Gregor Townsend plays down Scotland-Ireland grudge match talk

14:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Gregor Townsend dismissed any notion that Scotland versus Ireland has become a grudge match ahead of Sunday’s Guinness Six Nations showdown between the sides at Murrayfield.

The Scots have lost each of their last 10 meetings against the Irish – including two World Cup pool-stage fixtures – in a run stretching back to February 2017.

A perception has developed that Ireland take particular delight from putting Townsend’s men in their place whenever they are deemed to be talking bullishly about their prospects of ending a hoodoo now spanning eight years.

Asked if he detected a more intense rivalry between the sides in recent times, the Scotland head coach said: “I don’t think there is. Well, if there is, it’s just the same as any other game where teams want to build up something to provide extra motivation.

No extra rivalry: Gregor Townsend plays down Scotland-Ireland grudge match talk

Sir Chris Hoy meets Scotland coach Gregor Townsend before kick-off

14:28 , Jack Rathborn

Scotland’s Rory Darge backs Tom Jordan to make impact on first Six Nations start

14:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Scotland co-captain Rory Darge backed his Glasgow team-mate Tom Jordan to continue his “whirlwind” journey by taking his first Six Nations start in his stride against Ireland on Sunday.

The 26-year-old back will wear the number 12 jersey usually reserved for injured centre and national team captain Sione Tuipulotu after a strong display as a second-half replacement for Stafford McDowall in last weekend’s 31-19 win over Italy.

New Zealand-born Jordan – who initially joined semi-pro side Ayrshire after moving to Scotland in 2019 and then signed for Glasgow in 2022 – won his first four caps for Gregor Townsend’s side in November after qualifying on residency grounds.

Scotland’s Rory Darge backs Tom Jordan to make impact on first Six Nations start

He’s class – Calvin Nash backed to be ‘seamless’ replacement for Mack Hansen

14:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ireland captain Caelan Doris expects Calvin Nash to prove an able deputy once more after being drafted in from the cold to start Sunday’s Guinness Six Nations showdown with Scotland following the late withdrawal of key man Mack Hansen.

The 27-year-old Nash stepped up to play all five of last year’s Six Nations matches and two summer Tests against South Africa as Connacht flyer Hansen was sidelined for the first half of last year with a shoulder injury.

He’s class – Calvin Nash backed to be ‘seamless’ replacement for Mack Hansen

Team news - Ireland

14:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ireland recall old warhorse Peter O’Mahony to their side, with the veteran sure to revel again in a rivalry he has relished over the last few years. Ryan Baird drops to a bench off which Robbie Henshaw is promoted to partner Bundee Aki in the centres. Mack Hansen had originally been named in Simon Easterby’s starting side, but drops out due to injury with Calvin Nash whistled in.

That means Sam Prendergast is trusted again as the starting fly half as Jack Crowley is tasked with making an impact as a replacement once more. Hooker Dan Sheehan similarly remains among a strong bench unit.

Ireland XV: 1 Andrew Porter, 2 Ronan Kelleher, 3 Finlay Bealham; 4 James Ryan, 5 Tadhg Beirne; 6 Peter O’Mahony, 7 Josh van der Flier, 8 Caelan Doris (capt.); 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 10 Sam Prendergast; 11 James Lowe, 12 Bundee Aki, 13 Robbie Henshaw, 14 Calvin Nash; 15 Hugo Keenan.

Replacements: 16 Dan Sheehan, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Thomas Clarkson, 19 Ryan Baird, 20 Jack Conan; 21 Conor Murray, 22 Jack Crowley, 23 Garry Ringrose.

Team news - Scotland

14:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Gregor Townsend makes three changes to the Scottish side, most eye-catching at inside centre where Tom Jordan supplants Stafford McDowall. The versatile Jordan has also featured at 10 and 15 for club and country but impressed off the bench at 12 last week, and gets the opportunity to fill the sizeable hole left by injured skipper Sione Tuipulotu.

Up front, Pierre Schoeman is held in reserve as Rory Sutherland is given a rare start on the loosehead, while the promotion of Jack Dempsey off the bench sees Matt Fagerson pushed to the blindside. Jamie Ritchie is the odd man out - the flanker is one of six forwards on the bench.

Scotland XV: 1 Rory Sutherland, 2 Dave Cherry, 3 Zander Fagerson; 4 Jonny Gray, 5 Grant Gilchrist; 6 Matt Fagerson, 7 Rory Darge (co-capt.), 8 Jack Dempsey; 9 Ben White, 10 Finn Russell (co-capt.); 11 Duhan van der Merwe, 12 Tom Jordan, 13 Huw Jones, 14 Darcy Graham; 15 Blair Kinghorn.

Replacements: 16 Ewan Ashman, 17 Pierre Schoeman, 18 Will Hurd, 19 Sam Skinner, 20 Gregor Brown, 21 Jamie Ritchie; 22 Jamie Dobie, 23 Stafford McDowall.

Scotland vs Ireland talking points: Versatile Jordan takes centre stage

13:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Gregor Townsend has made three changes to his starting XV and one of them sees versatile Glasgow back Tom Jordan come in for his first Six Nations outing some three months after his Test debut against Fiji. Jordan has played three different positions this season alone for his club: stand-off, full-back and inside centre. The New Zealand-born 26-year-old will wear the number 12 jersey – usually reserved for injured captain Sione Tuipulotu – after getting the nod over Stafford McDowall, who drops to the bench. It is another huge assignment for Jordan but the back, who is moving to Bristol in the summer, has stood up impressively to every challenge he has faced in his previous five Tests.

Scotland vs Ireland talking points: Scots feel they are coming to the boil

13:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Since a damaging defeat away to Italy in the penultimate match of last year’s Six Nations, the Scots have generally been trending in the right direction. Following a spirited display in a narrow defeat in Dublin to conclude last year’s championship, they won all four of their summer tour matches – albeit against lower-ranked opponents – and then won three of their four autumn Tests, with their only defeat against double world champions South Africa following a performance they took plenty encouragement from. The Scots – who showed their mettle to fend off an Italian fightback in last weekend’s Six Nations opener – have spoken extensively in recent months about how they believe they have now developed the mindset to be equipped for tests such as that coming their way today.

Scotland vs Ireland talking points: More Murrayfield mayhem?

13:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Easterby admits Ireland’s patchy display against England is unlikely to be good enough for victory in Edinburgh. Former captain Peter O’Mahony has been recalled at blindside flanker to increase the experience in the visitors’ line-up, while Robbie Henshaw is preferred to Garry Ringrose at outside centre. If Ireland’s performance levels do dip, they may need to harness the resilience shown at Murrayfield two years ago. Amid the mayhem of an injury crisis, prop Cian Healy filled in at hooker and flanker Josh van der Flier threw into the lineout as Ireland remained on course for the Grand Slam courtesy of an impressive 22-7 comeback victory.

Scotland vs Ireland talking points: The battle for number 10

13:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Intense debate around the battle to become Johnny Sexton’s long-term successor as Ireland’s first-choice fly-half shows no signs of abating. Leinster’s Sam Prendergast is set to make his first Test appearance outside Dublin after again being given the nod ahead of Munster’s Jack Crowley. Crowley, 25, played every minute of last year’s title-winning campaign and was praised for his cameo against England by rival head coach Steve Borthwick. Interim boss Easterby, who suggested the number 10 jersey could change hands later in the tournament, pointed to continuity and the chance to develop the “unbelievable talent” of 21-year-old Prendergast in explaining a “tough” selection call.

Scotland vs Ireland talking points: Can Scotland end Irish hoodoo?

12:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Scotland have a sorry record in recent meetings between the two rivals. Ireland made it 10 wins in a row by clinching the championship title with a 17-13 Dublin success last March and have won 14 of 15 matches stretching back more than a decade. Scotland have shown flashes of potential and secured some statement results across the eight-year reign of head coach Townsend. Yet frustrating inconsistency has thwarted ambitions of a first title triumph since the final Five Nations in 1999. Sunday’s showdown will give a major indication as to whether Scotland’s current squad – regarded as a golden generation – are finally ready to end the 26-year wait for glory.

Rory Sutherland insists he can shine for Scotland after off-field upheaval

12:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Rory Sutherland is adamant he can still perform a starting role for Scotland as the embattled former British and Irish Lion outlined his renewed sense of contentment on and off the field ahead of Sunday’s Guinness Six Nations showdown with Ireland.

After recovering from a career-threatening groin injury sustained in 2016, the 32-year-old established himself as Scotland’s first-choice loosehead for both the 2020 and 2021 Six Nations campaigns and then went on to start for the Lions in the first test of the series against South Africa in July 2021.

Since the high of that tour three and a half years ago, Sutherland has started only six matches for Scotland, with the majority of the 22 caps he has added in that period coming off the bench.

But he gets an elusive opportunity in the run-on side this afternoon and is keen to make the most of it:

Rory Sutherland insists he can shine for Scotland after off-field upheaval

Dan Sheehan urges Ireland to attack Scotland clash with ‘all guns blazing’

12:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Dan Sheehan remains on the bench today but you can be certain that the brilliant hooker will provide a serious impact at some stage. He’s urged his Ireland squad mates to really go after Scotland throughout.

Dan Sheehan urges Ireland to attack Scotland clash with ‘all guns blazing’

Six Nations 2025 schedule in full: Fixtures, results and table

12:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The Six Nations continues this weekend with the best rugby sides in Europe again battling for spring supremacy.

Stay up to date with the latest results, table and upcoming fixtures with our handy one-stop shop for everything you need to know throughout the tournament:

Six Nations: Fixtures, results and table

What will British and Irish Lions coach Andy Farrell be watching during the Six Nations?

11:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The quadrennial assembly of Britain and Ireland’s best and brightest will add yet more meaning to the Six Nations as Lions selection looms large over the tournament.

While it is, ultimately, the competition prize that players will be vying for, all of those eligible will be fully aware that Andy Farrell will be watching closely as he bids to narrow down his squad ahead of the tour of Australia.

With his first coaching appointments in place, Farrell can now cast his discerning eye over the tournament with plenty of themes set to emerge.

What might he particularly be looking out for?

What will Lions coach Andy Farrell be watching during the Six Nations?

Sam Prendergast gets Ireland number 10 backing from interim boss Simon Easterby

11:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ireland interim boss Simon Easterby has backed rookie fly-half Sam Prendergast to rise to the challenge of showcasing his “unbelievable talent” in his first Test match outside of Dublin.

Following a Guinness Six Nations debut in last weekend’s 27-22 bonus-point win over England, 21-year-old Prendergast has been retained ahead of Jack Crowley for today’s Murrayfield clash with Scotland.

Easterby admits it was a “tough selection call” on the back of Crowley’s impressive cameo against Steve Borthwick’s side and suggested the number 10 jersey may change hands during the remainder of the championship.

Sam Prendergast gets Ireland number 10 backing from interim boss Simon Easterby

Maro Itoje highlights key quality England showed to secure much-needed win

11:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Maro Itoje hailed the bravery and ambition England showed to snatch a long-awaited narrow victory over France and keep their Six Nations hopes alive.

Elliot Daly’s last-gasp try secured a one-point win for the hosts at a raucous Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, ending a run of seven consecutive defeats to top sides.

While that run had been broken up by two successes against Japan, this was a much-needed triumph for Steve Borthwick’s side after a series of near misses over the last 12 months.

Aided by French profligacy, England stuck in it throughout to set up a match-winning score as young fly half Fin Smith starred on his first international start.

It was Itoje’s first win as skipper having been elevated to the captaincy ahead of this campaign, and the lock was pleased to see his side’s hard work finally rewarded.

Maro Itoje highlights key quality England showed to secure much-needed win

England find long-awaited answer to stun France and end year of hurt

11:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Meanwhile, at Twickenham the hurt and heartache is finally over, seven near misses against top opposition consigned to the past as England at last prevailed in a proper nerve-jangler.

England find long-awaited answer to stun France and end year of hurt

Warren Gatland admits Wales are feeling pressure of dismal losing run

10:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Warren Gatland reflected on bitter disappointment and frustration after Wales crashed to a 14th successive Test match defeat and left his position as head coach under continued forensic scrutiny.

Wales’ 22-15 Guinness Six Nations loss to Italy in a rainswept Rome left them hurtling towards a second successive tournament wooden spoon.

Gatland’s Welsh Rugby Union bosses have promised a detailed review of Six Nations performances after the competition and matters are hardly likely to improve given that remaining fixtures are against Ireland, Scotland and England.

It was Gatland’s 20th loss in 26 Tests since returning for a second stint at the helm, an eighth Six Nations reversal in a row and the first time Wales have suffered back-to-back defeats against Italy.

Warren Gatland admits Wales are feeling pressure of dismal losing run

'Schoolboy' Wales told they can't carry on after slumping to new low

10:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The pundits were damning of this Wales side, who just seem so low on confidence. It was another pretty wretched performance.

‘Schoolboy’ Wales told they ‘can’t carry on’ after falling to new low

Yesterday's action...

10:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Onwards we roll, then, into another huge Six Nations fixture, but let’s begin with a look back at yesterday’s action. For Wales, things remain mightily gloomy - defeat in Italy saw Warren Gatland’s men slump to a new low in the world rankings as Georgia climbed above them:

Wales facing another winless Six Nations after dismal defeat to Italy

Sir Chris Hoy’s Murrayfield appearance can inspire Scotland – Rory Darge

10:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Scotland co-captain Rory Darge expects Sir Chris Hoy’s presence at Murrayfield to inspire his side ahead of today’s Guinness Six Nations showdown with Ireland.

The 48-year-old former cyclist – with six Olympic gold medals and 11 world titles to his name – will drive a Lead the Legends car at the front of the team bus as they arrive at the stadium and will then deliver the match ball on to the pitch.

Hoy revealed in October that he has terminal cancer and was told by doctors that he had two to four years to live.

Sir Chris Hoy’s Murrayfield appearance can inspire Scotland – Rory Darge

Simon Easterby previews Scotland vs Ireland clash

09:58 , Jack Rathborn

Scotland vs Ireland LIVE

Saturday 8 February 2025 13:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The final game of the second Six Nations weekend looks a pivotal one, with Scotland hosting Ireland looking to end their recent hoodoo in this fixture and establish themselves as title contenders.

Kick off at Murrayfield is at 3pm GMT.