EDINBURGH - 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 this year's tournament with a chance of completing the coveted Grand Slam.
Scotland's misery was compounded by a first-half clash of heads between co-captain Finn Russell and team-mate Darcy Graham that took both backs out of the game.
However, coach Gregor Townsend later suggested the duo's injuries were not as severe as they appeared.
By that stage, and not for the first time in this fixture, Ireland's pack had established dominance and the visitors soon surged into a 17-0 lead.
Scotland rallied either side of half-time to reduce Ireland's advantage to 17-11.
But further Ireland tries from wing James Lowe and replacement Jack Conan put the result beyond doubt.
Ireland captain Caelan Doris, who scored one of his side's four tries, said: "We spoke about starting fast as Scotland are a dangerous team. We did that well."
Defeat left Scotland, who launched their Six Nations by beating Italy 31-19 in Edinburgh, still looking for their first win over Ireland since 2017.