Scotland vs Ireland LIVE rugby: Latest score and updates from Six Nations game today

Ireland are chasing the Grand Slam as they take on Scotland at Murrayfield in the Six Nations today.

Ireland top the table after bonus-point wins over Wales, France and Italy as they head into a crucial double-header against Scotland and England looking to make it a tournament clean sweep. Johnny Sexton returns to Ireland’s team after missing the bonus-point victory over Italy last time out, with the 37-year-old hoping to sign off his illustrious Six Nations career in style.

Scotland have never beaten the team ranked No 1 in the world but victory over Ireland would put them in contention to end their long title drought ahead of Super Saturday next weekend. Gregor Townsend’s team were beaten by France last time out but their comeback at the Stade de France showed that they can trouble the best in the world.

Follow the score and latest updates from the Six Nations below.

Scotland vs Ireland

• TRY! Scotland 7-22 IRELAND (Jack Conan try, 62 minutes)

• TRY! Scotland 7-15 IRELAND (James Lowe try, 57 minutes)

• TRY! Scotland 7-8 IRELAND (Mack Hansen try, 28 minutes)

• TRY! SCOTLAND 7-3 Ireland (Huw Jones try, 18 minutes)

• Scotland team news: Gregor Townsend reshapes his back row

• Ireland team news: Key faces return for visitors

• Ireland would all but secure the championship with victory

Scotland 7-22 Ireland, 73 minutes

16:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Oh, that’s not nice to see. Garry Ringrose dives at the hips of the long-striding Blair Kinghorn, the centre’s head bouncing away uncomfortably from a bony bit of the Scottish carrier.

The medics rush on to attend to him, with Luke Pearce calling a halt to proceedings a minute or so later so Ringrose can be safely treated.

Scotland 7-22 Ireland, 71 minutes

16:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle

No outright points scoring record for Johnny Sexton today - he’ll have ten minutes of rest to end the game, with Ross Byrne introduced at fly half.

Scotland 7-22 Ireland, 70 minutes

16:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Scotland nearly nick the ball at a ruck, but fumble forwards.

Ireland move into the hosts’ 22 with Murrayfield almost silent. Mack Hansen and Jamison Gibson-Park get themselves in a muddle, colliding with one another as the scrum-half tries to draw the wing back to his inside on a switch ball. Scotland’s scrum feed.

Scotland 7-22 Ireland, 69 minutes

16:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Both sets of forwards oblige and Jamison Gibson-Park is able to make a safe extraction.

Mack Hansen, who has been influential throughout this second half, again injects himself intelligently as Ireland take the easy metres on offer up the left. Flanker-cum-thrower Josh van der Flier goes back to his day job, bashing away a tackler to keep Ireland moving.

Scotland 7-22 Ireland, 68 minutes

16:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Gregor Townsend looks on glumly as his forwards are again forced into retreat by Ireland’s three prop prongs in the front row. Tom O’Toole is one of them, on for Tadhg Furlong, who had an impressive 65 minutes or so after a couple of months out.

Luke Pearce orders only a reset, and then again as the scrum hits the deck. “Be better” is his pithy instruction.

Scotland 7-22 Ireland, 67 minutes

16:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A pause in action for a couple more changes, with Hamish Watson on in the Scotland back row. And there’s a return for Robbie Henshaw in the Ireland midfield after a series of injuries - the centre looks in fine fettle, and steps in for Bundee Aki.

Scotland 7-22 Ireland, 66 minutes

16:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Irish hands pinch the Scotland lineout, and Jamison Gibson-Park hooks a clearance away.

Fraser Brown, on at hooker, finds a teammate with the next throw, but Scotland’s attacking adventures are brief, with Matt Fagerson’s pass rather obviously tossed three yards forward.

Scotland 7-22 Ireland, 65 minutes

16:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Scotland will still feel they can get back in this, with Ireland surely likely to tire given all those forward changes. They earn a soft penalty out of Ryan Baird, who foolishly pushes Finn Russell to floor after the Scotland fly half had released a pass.

A ticking Stuart Hogg is replaced; his 100th cap hasn’t materialised as he would have liked. Blair Kinghorn is on in his stead.

TRY! Scotland 7-20 IRELAND (Jack Conan try, 62 minutes)

16:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Jack Conan powers over!

Ireland are beginning to show their might. This has been outstanding in the last ten minutes or so from the championship leaders, taking complete control in adverse circumstances. They play patiently again inside the Scotland 22, waiting for the spaces to appear. The gap opens on the right edge as Duhan van der Merwe and his chums narrow slightly, with Conan the end man on the Irish line to capitalise, riding contact to add five more points to the Irish tally in the corner.

And that’s a significant moment for Johnny Sexton from the tee - his conversion takes him level with Ronan O’Gara as the all-time record Six Nations points scorer.

Scotland 7-15 Ireland, 60 minutes

16:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ireland are growing and growing in confidence. Mack Hansen’s linking hands create an overlap and space for James Lowe to stride in to, the wing fending away Kyle Steyn.

He kicks ahead and Scotland have to hurry away a clearance. Ireland ball 20 metres out.

Scotland 7-15 Ireland, 59 minutes

16:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ali Price is introduced at scrum half for Scotland, with Ben White taken off.

A half charge down of an Ireland clearance grants Josh van der Flier another lineout throw with the rain starting to tumble at Murrayfield.

TRY! Scotland 7-15 IRELAND (James Lowe try, 57 minutes)

16:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ireland strike!

Talk about thriving in adversity. It all came from Van der Flier’s lineout throw, granting Gibson-Park the platform to lift a high box kick. Hansen’s claim was excellent, and his offload to Johnny Sexton, too, allowing the Irish forwards to come on to the ball in support.

Scotland never quite regathered, with Luke Pearce awarding Ireland an advantage. Gibson-Park keeps the tempo high, picking his moment to flick a long miss pass beyond Ryan Baird and into the leaping hands of James Lowe, who scores in the corner. Sexton converts.

Scotland 7-8 Ireland, 55 minutes

16:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Josh van der Flier hits his man at the lineout again, with Ireland’s unlikely understudies doing their jobs well.

That’s even better for the visitors - Mack Hansen takes to the skies and claims Jamison Gibson-Park’s up-and-under. Irish shirts pour into the Scottish 22.

Scotland 7-8 Ireland, 54 minutes

16:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Maybe Cian Healy has always been a hooker? Ireland penalty! As far as I’m aware, Healy’s first competitive international entanglement in the middle of the front row ends with Luke Pearce penalising Simon Berghan for standing up under pressure from Andrew Porter, who will have to go the distance on the loosehead.

Scotland 7-8 Ireland, 54 minutes

16:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Changes before the scrum for Scotland as they try to attack that quirky Irish front row: Jamie Bhatti and Simon Berghan are called on, with Pierre Schoeman and Zander Fagerson taking leave.

Ireland are also making a change. Jamison Gibson-Park is back fit and back into action, taking the place of Conor Murray.

Scotland 7-8 Ireland, 53 minutes

16:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Scotland’s lineout is more conventionally formed, with George Turner still amongst things.

A promising maul is stalled after a gain of five metres. Finn Russell then throws a forward pass.

Scotland 7-8 Ireland, 51 minutes

16:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle

This is turning into a slightly bizarre contest. Ireland have a prop scrummaging at hooker and a flanker throwing in at the lineout.

The two teams trade turnovers, Mack Hansen doing good work again before Scotland win it back. Sione Tuipulotu gives Josh van der Flier a pressure lineout to deliver...and the openside holds his nerve to hit double tops. He’s getting better and better.

Scotland 7-8 Ireland, 49 minutes

16:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Josh van der Flier remains Ireland’s nominated thrower, and is back on target, hitting the man at the front.

A midfield knock on will cause problems for the visitors, though - Scotland will have the scrum feed.

Hmm. It appears Cian Healy is prepared, and appropriately qualified, to scrummage at hooker. He’s not required for long: Ireland are free kicked before the shoving can start.

Scotland 7-8 Ireland, 48 minutes

16:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Strong from Mack Hansen! Scotland threaten the left edge but the Ireland wing jackals swiflty, holding his position perfectly despite Zander Fagerson’s attempted clearout.

And finally Ireland are going to make that second hooker switch: Cian Healy is introduced, which presumably will result in uncontested scrums.

Scotland 7-8 Ireland, 47 minutes

16:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That’s aless pretty lineout attempt from Josh van der Flier - it’s a more ambitious call for the flanker to deal with, targeting the tail, and he doesn’t quite get his dart directed right.

George Turner collects and Scotland can attack.

Scotland 7-8 Ireland, 46 minutes

16:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ireland turn the ball over. Ben White finds space with his box kick, with Ryan Baird the slightly unlikely man to retrieve it for Ireland.

The replacement second row appears ready to show his kicking ability, but perhaps wisely re-thinks, dummying and taking contact before getting an offload away.

Scotland 7-8 Ireland, 45 minutes

16:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ireland are trying to pin Scotland back. Finn Russell is forced over his own goalline after a chip up the right touchline bounces inwards away from a retreating Matt Fagerson.

Stuart Hogg powers the goalline dropout 60 yards up field.

Scotland 7-8 Ireland, 44 minutes

16:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Sharp thinking from Kyle Steyn. James Lowe absolutely drills one of his raking left-footed punts towards the touchline, and Steyn’s chances of a clean catch appear slim.

But the wing cleverly slides beneath it, knowing he can claim a mark before he skids over the touchline.

Scotland 7-8 Ireland, 42 minutes

16:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Now then - Josh van der Flier is throwing the Ireland lineout! Ronan Kelleher remains on but is clearly so hampered by that injury that he feels unable to throw.

Van der Flier, true to form, does an impeccable impersonation of his Leinster teammate, hitting his jumper at the front.

Ireland’s attack fails to get moving, though, and Sione Tuipulotu’s locking limbs hold up a carrier to earn turnover possession.

Scotland 7-8 Ireland, 41 minutes

16:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A high, hanging restart from Hogg, but Scotland are penalised as Scott Cummings and Matt Fagerson fail to communicate their intentions, the lock forming a maul and the latter knifing in at the side of it to try and attack the ball.

Back underway!

16:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Stuart Hogg drops ball to boot and the second half begins.

Second half...

16:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Johnny Sexton stares angrily at the floor in front of him as he strides back on the Murrayfield playing surface. Ireland will probably feel they have another level they might be able to go to, and will back their fitness - fatigue is definitely going to play a part if the encounter continues at the intensity of the first half.

Scotland are back out there, too. Centurion Stuart Hogg will get things back underway.

H/T: Scotland 7-8 Ireland

15:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ireland’s injury worries may not be over - Cian Healy was practicing his lineout throwing just before the interval with Ronan Kelleher appearing to have suffered an issue of some kind towards the end of that first half. Dan Sheehan is already done for the day after an early withdrawal.

H/T: Scotland 7-8 Ireland

15:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Possession, by the way, fell perfectly evenly across that opening 40 minutes. It’s been high intensity stuff, with Scotland losing one forward to injury but Ireland three, which you feel might be decisive if it remains tight after the third quarter.

H/T: Scotland 7-8 Ireland

15:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A first half played at an outstanding level virtually throughout. Both sides have produced some lovely moments in attack, challenging in varied ways, with some excellent scramble defence required and ensuring there was only one try apiece.

HALF TIME! SCOTLAND 7-8 IRELAND

15:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Scotland 7-8 Ireland, 41 minutes

15:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Superb cover defence from Ireland! A passage to sum up the first half, with Scotland at first manipulating the Irish defence brilliantly with Sione Tuipulotu again to the fore, but the visitors reshaping and scrambling a carrier into touch.

Stuart Hogg’s offload found Scott Cummings, who in turn shipped it left to George Turner. The hooker has Duhan van der Merwe in the sidecar but can’t quite connect as he takes contact, and two Irish tacklers drive him out. That’s that for a mighty fun first forty minutes.

Scotland 7-8 Ireland, 39 minutes

15:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ronan Kelleher withdraws his brake foot as Scotland prepare to feed the scrum, giving the hosts a free kick.

They’ll opt to pack down again. Ireland begin to get a nudge on but Scotland are able to play away. Stuart Hogg is held up in a choke tackle by Bundee Aki, but manages to writhe away and get a knee to floor.

Ireland think they spy a ball coming free from the base of a ruck, but are over eager - it wasn’t quite out yet, and Luke Pearce penalises them for their trespassing.

What’s the call from Scotland with the clock in the red? A stiff breeze may convince them that a kick at goal would not be wise. Indeed - Finn Russell finds the touchline ten metres from the Ireland line.

Scotland 7-8 Ireland, 37 minutes

15:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Now it is Ireland’s turn to impose their defensive strength, attacking the breakdown often to try and disrupt Ireland’s ball. Mack Hansen is pressed into emergency scrum-half duties some distance from the right wing he nominally is meant to occupy, finding Jack Conan, whose pass to James Lowe is forward.

Scotland 7-8 Ireland, 36 minutes

15:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s properly physical now out there. Irish defenders hurtle out of the line, meatily meeting the Scottish carriers. Matt Fagerson and Finn Russell are tonked backwards, with the latter doing some unspotted fiddling on the floor to ensure his side retain possession.

Scotland 7-8 Ireland, 35 minutes

15:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And make a hash of the lineout! George Turner gathers gleefully at the tail and Scotland clear their lines.

Scotland 7-8 Ireland, 34 minutes

15:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Boos from the Murrayfield crowd as what they perceive as a legitimate turnover from Pierre Schoeman instead results in another Ireland penalty. Referee Luke Pearce is clear that Schoeman missed it on his initial go - and yes, that’s a good call from the referee, Schoeman going beyond the ball first before dragging his hands back on to the ball.

Ireland return to the corner...

Scotland 7-8 Ireland, 33 minutes

15:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle

This is turning into a thrilling encounter. Now Ireland cut Scotland open, James Lowe scything up the centre.

Ireland’s forwards carry onwards up into the Scotland 22, and Stuart Hogg rather cynically slaps at Conor Murray’s arm from inside a ruck. He’s slightly fortunate that a penalty is the only sanction; Ireland kick to the corner.

Scotland 7-8 Ireland, 31 minutes

15:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A chance missed by Scotland! They carve Ireland open, Sione Tuipulotu condensing the midfield with another deft bit of handling at the line, allowing Finn Russell and Duhan van der Merwe to come around the corner into space.

Van der Merwe is asked to do the carrying by his fly half and obliges, but Hugo Keenan makes an outstanding tackle on the far larger stomping Scotsman. Russell is the only clearing Scottish body, allowing both Josh van der Flier and Bundee Aki to latch over the top and win a holding on penalty.

Scotland 7-8 Ireland, 29 minutes

15:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The officials were happy enough with Van der Merwe’s challenge there, beliving his left arm to have wrapped, though it did look a slightly forceful right shoulder with a tucked arm as the wing tried to drive Hansen out. Anyway, it matters not - the score was good and Ireland will take the five points.

Hansen is in retreat now, turned by Finn Russell’s intelligent dribble beyond him. A high hop piques the interest of the Scottish chasers but the kick does eventually tumble into touch.

TRY! Scotland 7-8 IRELAND (Mack Hansen try, 28 minutes)

15:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

An outstanding finish!

Mack Hansen takes a proper thumping from Duhan van der Merwe, covering across having been caught slightly too far infield, but the wing is still able to contort a reaching right arm past the corner flag and ground firmly before his knees are forced into touch.

Stuart Terheege offers his assent from the TMO truck, and referee Luke Pearce awards the score. Johnny Sexton doesn’t quite draw back his touchline conversion enough, but Ireland are back ahead.

Try? Has Mack Hansen got over in the corner?

15:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Beautiful handling from Ireland, with Hugo Keenan unfurling a lovely wide ball to his wing - but has Hansen managed to ground before he is forced out?

Scotland 7-3 Ireland, 26 minutes

15:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Jamie Ritchie and Conor Murray wrestle over the ball like it is the last donut in the box, each gripping tightly on it and hoping the referee will look kindly upon their efforts as they hit the floor together. Murray is deemed to be moving forward at the bottom of a resulting heap, meaning it will be Ireland’s scrum feed.

Scotland 7-3 Ireland, 25 minutes

15:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle

More injury woe for Ireland: Ryan Baird is the third forward replacement required already, with Iain Henderson the latest player requiring treatment.

Duhan van der Merwe watches a Johnny Sexton grubber back over his own line, just about remembering to ground before James Lowe can steal in.

Scotland 7-3 Ireland, 23 minutes

15:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Here’s the Scotland score that has the hosts ahead. Superbly taken by a centre partnership that has really stood out during this Six Nations.

Scotland 7-3 Ireland, 23 minutes

15:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A first scrum entanglement, then - and a swift peep of the whistle from Luke Pearce as the referee decides Ireland have put weight on too soon.

Ben White taps it quickly. Duhan van der Merwe looks full of muscular intent, breaking two tackles and nearly wriggling free of another.

But Scotland force a pass and Ireland manage to hack the bouncing ball ahead. Garry Ringrose leads the pursuit and White eventually scrambles a clearance into touch 35 metres out.

Scotland 7-3 Ireland, 21 minutes

15:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Crunch! A floating Finn Russell pass drifts into the arms of Stuart Hogg just as the full back is clattered into by James Lowe. The wing’s firm and fair inspection of Hogg’s ribcage forces a knock on.

Scotland 7-3 Ireland, 20 minutes

15:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Both sides look dangerous with ball in hand each time they are able to settle into their phases. Ireland work from inside their own half to about five metres shy of the Scottish 22, but eventually run out of puff on the right, allowing Scott Cummings to lead a counter-ruck to win possession.

Scotland 7-3 Ireland, 19 minutes

15:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A second early alteration for Ireland, and another major blow: Dan Sheehan is off inside 20 minutes, with Ronan Kelleher stepping in as his Leinster teammate chats with a doctor.

That appears to be a permanent switch, too.

TRY! SCOTLAND 7-3 Ireland (Huw Jones try, 18 minutes)

15:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Huw Jones has another Six Nations score!

Beautifully taken by the Huw-ipulotu. Sione Tuipulotu takes Ben White’s pass at first receiver, holding the defence with his eyes with Finn Russell sliding behind him out the back.

Tuipulotu sells the pull-back pass with a shift of his hips and flick of his eyes, instead feeding to his centre partner alongside him. Jones crashes over, and Russell’s conversion ensures it is a seven-pointer.

Scotland 0-3 Ireland, 17 minutes

15:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Real intensity about Scotland in this last five minutes. Finn Russell sends Duhan van der Merwe stomping on to an inside ball, and Conor Murray has to wrestle him down after a ten-metre gain.

Advantage coming - can Scotland capitalise?

Scotland 0-3 Ireland, 15 minutes

15:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle

17 phases and finally Ireland drive Stuart Hogg into touch! Lovely attack, firm defence, with both sides showing their ability in an extended passage.

Garry Ringrose does very well to get enough of Huw Jones to prevent the centre capitalising on a soft overlap to the right, and Andrew Porter’s sharp jackal is key in stalling Scotland’s possession a couple of rucks later. Finn Russell ships it to the left and Stuart Hogg eyes Johnny Sexton’s chest, rocking back the fly-half.

But Sexton soon has support from a couple of burlier blokes, who combine to push the Scottish centurion out of play about seven metres from the Ireland line.

Scotland 0-3 Ireland, 14 minutes

15:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Scotland fancy a swift reply, testing Ireland’s inside defence with a series of transfers at the line. Finn Russell dummies and goes alone, threatening to free the arms but unable to connect with a teammate.

Scotland 0-3 Ireland, 13 minutes

15:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Caelan Doris hasn’t quite recovered from that early injury issue - he trudges off after Sexton knocks through the three.

On comes Jack Conan, who maybe hasn’t quite been at his best this year but was solid enough in Rome and still offers plenty in that number eight berth.

PENALTY! Scotland 0-3 IRELAND (Johnny Sexton penalty, 13 minutes)

15:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Popped through with little wasted energy from the Ireland fly half. The visitors take the first lead.

Scotland 0-0 Ireland, 11 minutes

15:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

On Ireland go, stressing and straining Scottish sinews with varied attacking play. Peter O’Mahony drops to a knee but still manages to make metres in the carry.

Flung wide by Johnny Sexton to Mack Hansen...smothered into touch. Strong work from Duhan van der Merwe, holding his feet and nerve as Hansen flashed his feet.

Back for a pair of penalties - one is right in front of the posts and Johnny Sexton will get the scoring underway.

Scotland 0-0 Ireland, 10 minutes

15:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ireland are just starting to exert their authority, though. Another kick from Sexton, this time lower, threaded in between the front defensive line to also pierce the backfield. Stuart Hogg is transported into touch; Ireland’s five-metre lineout.

Ireland’s maul is eventually halted two metres short, and they have an advantage too as Conor Murray positions his forward to continue the attacking movement...

Scotland 0-0 Ireland, 9 minutes

15:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Another lineout error from Scotland - that is becoming a real worry.

Johnny Sexton kicks turnover possesion high into the swirling Murrayfield air. Down it comes with snow on it and Kyle Steyn claims very, very neatly in the shadow of his own uprights.

Scotland 0-0 Ireland, 8 minutes

15:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Caelan Doris is down, too - the Ireland number eight has his hip and glute prodded at by a medic, with a grimace on Doris’ face revealing the pain it is causing. He gets a helping hand off the floor, and will continue for now at least, rejoining his teammates in the defensive Irish lineout near halfway.

Scotland 0-0 Ireland, 7 minutes

15:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Turner does the job properly this time as Scotland at last get their set-piece right. They win a penalty as Ireland busy a breakdown, too.

But that is a blow for the hosts: Richie Gray has been forced off already with Scott Cummings into action far earlier than he’d have anticipated.

No try! Scotland 0-0 Ireland, 6 minutes

15:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A real let off for Scotland! It’s a horrible moment for George Turner, throwing curiously swiftly with few of his teammates set. Caelan Doris leaps and gathers, and soon after his mates muscle over...

But Turner had used a different ball to take the throw quickly, meaning anything thereafter is null and void. He’ll get another go at finding a teammate in a more considered manner.

Scotland 0-0 Ireland, 5 minutes

15:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Duelling chants from the two sets of supporters inside Murrayfield as Ireland work the phases. Bundee Aki is well held and James Lowe, too, forcing Johnny Sexton to play for territory.

He finds the corner - and Scotland throw the lineout straight into Irish hands at the tail!

Scotland 0-0 Ireland, 4 minutes

15:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A misfire at the lineout, with Scotland’s communication all over the place and nobody rising to try to claim George Turner’s wayward throw. Ireland snatch it from the sky and can build from their first real attacking platform.

Scotland 0-0 Ireland, 3 minutes

15:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Duhan van der Merwe has his first carry, Tadhg Furlong clinging on at the wing’s ankles having done well to snare him in a bear trap as Van der Merwe tried to shimmy.

Space for Scotland, Huw Jones outside of Garry Ringrose and accelerating with menace.

But that’s a little aimless: Finn Russell prods ahead centrally with few chasers to trouble a covering Hugo Keenan, who finds the safe embrace of touch beyond halfway from inside his own 22.

Scotland 0-0 Ireland, 2 minutes

15:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle

In a sign of Irish strategy, Conor Murray soon goes to boot himself, putting too much mustard on his box kick and allowing Finn Russell to claim a simple mark.

Russell’s booted riposte is excellent, flipping the field and giving Ireland their first lineout throw on the fringes of the visitors’ own 22.

Scotland 0-0 Ireland, 1 minute

15:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A promising first involvement from Jack Dempsey, swatting away a tackler to breach his first contact and make ground.

Ben White thumps a box kick up to Hugo Keenan, who fumbles briefly but in the end safely gathers at the second attempt.

KICK OFF!

15:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Scotland vs Ireland is underway.

Scotland vs Ireland

15:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Stuart Hogg’s eldest son has the honour of delivering the match ball to referee Luke Pearce, sharing a lovely moment with the English official and his father on halfway.

Starters duties go to Johnny Sexton, though - the Ireland fly half will kick us off...

Scotland vs Ireland

15:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Right, here we go. Can Ireland continue their grand slam charge? Or is an elusive Triple Crown Scotland’s for the taking?

Flower of Scotland

14:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The piper on the roof leads Murrayfield in. The emotion of the occasion is clear on Stuart Hogg’s face as he sways alongside his teammates, tears in his eyes.

A broad smile then spreads across Hogg’s face as he looks proudly up into the stands.

Ireland’s Call

14:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The Irish players were caught out by a half-speed playing of “Ireland’s Call” in Rome two weeks ago, but there’s no issues this time, with the visitors’ squad standing shoulder to shoulder and belting out the anthem.

Scotland vs Ireland

14:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Murrayfield is full to the brim, as you might expect for a significant fixture.

Time for the anthems.

Scotland vs Ireland

14:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Stuart Hogg wanders out of the Murrayfield tunnel with his two sons alongside him and daughter Olivia in his arms. He’s greeted with a great roar, and there is also a wonderfully warm reception from the crowd for Garry Ringrose.

Scotland vs Ireland

14:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The two sets of players begin to ready themselves in the dressing rooms, slapping one another to charge their muscles ready for the contest.

Garry Ringrose will lead Ireland out as he wins his 50th cap; Stuart Hogg likewise heads the Scottish line as he hits double that tally.

Scotland vs Ireland - Applause in memory of Siobhan Cattigan

14:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Before kick off, a pause for applause in memory of the late Scottish number eight Siobhan Cattigan, who died in November 2021. Cattigan’s family have launched a legal case against Scottish Rugby and World Rugby after revealing to The Times that they felt the Scottish union had mismanaged a brain injury that ultimately led to the 26-year-old’s death.

An overdue moment to remember a talented player whose life ended much too soon.

Scotland vs Ireland

14:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

We haven’t really touched on the two fly-halves yet, but the influence that Finn Russell and Johnny Sexton exert on their respective sides requres little further exploration. Sexton needs only eight points to surpass Ronan O’Gara as the top points scorer in competition history, while you’d think that a Scottish win may require more Russell conjuring.

Scotland vs Ireland - Match Officials

14:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It is an all English team of officials in Edinburgh this afternoon, with Luke Pearce given the whistle and two more international referees supporting him from the touchlines. Kieran Crowley was pretty punchy about Damon Murphy’s contribution to Italy’s defeat in Rome yesterday - Pearce, whose uber-communicative style and preference for haste in all facets tend to be liked by most players, will be hoping that neither head coach is quite as riled come the full time whistle.

Referee: Luke Pearce (RFU)

ARs: Wayne Barnes (RFU) & Christophe Ridley (RFU)

TMO: Stuart Terheege (RFU)

Scotland vs Ireland - Andy Farrell is next in front of the microphone

14:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“We are here now and there is an expectation of what we want to deliver ourselves today,” the Ireland head coach says to the BBC. “Game day is all about delivering.

“They have threats all over the field and are playing some fantastic rugby at this moment in time.

“It takes all sorts to win a championship. We expect the conditions to be a bit blustery out there, but we’ll adapt to that.”

Scotland vs Ireland - Gregor Townsend speaks to the BBC

14:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The Scotland head coach says: “You’ve got to play close to your best level. We’ve got to win the contact, slow down Irish ball, stop them getting into phase shape. We’ve got to get quick ball - it is the best way of attacking for any team and help get our weapons into the game. We’ve got to be consistent right throughout the 80 minutes.

“They are very cohesive as a team. Teams that start really well are confident with what they are doing. We feel in the England game and the Wales game we were in place with our effort and energy, and maybe weren’t ambitious enough. We certainly want our players to go for it today if there are opportunities.

On Stuart Hogg’s 100th cap” “Massive. He was the best player for Scotland in a number of teams when the team wasn’t going well. He’s beeen a very good connector on the field. He’s the loudest player on the field defensively. This week he’s been flying in training. He’ll thrive in today’s atmosphere - we hope it is a great day for him.”

100 up for Stuart Hogg

14:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Stuart Hogg becomes only the fourth Scotsman to hit 100 international appearances this afternoon, the full back bringing up his century at only 30 - you’d think he’ll still have plenty more caps to come. Hogg hasn’t perhaps been at his bubbling best in this campaign but he’s knitted things together neatly when required, and he’ll really fancy a standout performance today.

In a lovely touch, Hogg’s match shirt was presented to him this week by Scotland’s other three male centurions - Ross Ford, Chris Paterson and Sean Lamont.

“It is going to be a hell of a challenge for us but one we are ready for and excited about,” said Hogg ahead of this encounter. “We have prepped well for it.

“You want to play against the best players and the best team, and to have Ireland here, the number one ranked team in world rugby, is just quality for us.

“We’re hugely excited for it. Ireland are up there for a reason - they’re incredibly good individually and collectively as a rugby team, and their record speaks volumes.

“Myself and the rest of the boys respect them and admire them hugely, but we also know we can do a job on them and that’s one that we’re excited for.”

“It is incredibly special. As a kid all I wanted to do was to play for Scotland. To be sitting here ahead of my 100th, I don’t know what to make of it as yet.”

Garry Ringrose’s return a major boost for Ireland

14:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Somehow it feels like Garry Ringrose, such a consistent and well-rounded performer for both club and country, has always gone a little under-the-radar, but his importance defensively to this Ireland side was never clearer than in Rome. Italy repeatedly exploited a lack of lateral mobility in the visiting midfield to cut Andy Farrell’s side open, and Ringrose will have a key role to fix any fissures against a dangerous Scottish midfield.

The 28-year-old wins his 50^th cap today, a fortnight later than planned after being forced to withdraw from the starting side initially named to take on Italy. Ringrose tends to take more plaudits for his work in attack, and Farrell will be glad to have Ringrose and Johnny Sexton back together on the pitch having been sat alongside one another in the Stadio Olimpico stands. Their intuitive understanding is vital to the way Ireland play.

Can tweaked Scottish back row match Ireland?

14:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It looks an intriguing little tweak from Gregor Townsend at the base of the Scottish scrum, with the Scotland head coach pushing his captain to a seven shirt he is more than comfortable filling to accommodate Jack Dempsey in the starting side. Some coaches would have been tempted to pick a couple of fetchers to try and slow Irish ball, but that is a strategy that didn’t particularly work for Wales. Instead, Townsend has a trio of grafters with a nice blend of athleticism and size, with Hamish Watson more than handy to have in reserve for the final quarter.

Dempsey and Matt Fagerson work well in combination for Glasgow, but this will be a major test of Scotland’s chosen three against an Irish back row that works so cohesively and cleverly together, maximising their different strengths.

“It’s more because of what Jack’s been doing off the bench and in training,” Townsend replied when asked this week if it was an Ireland-specific selection decision. “He’s been really consistent in how he’s performed in training and he’s taken that into the bench.

“We feel that this is the right time to see this blend. They’re all ball carriers as is Hamish and he’ll have a big role to play in the last quarter of the game or longer potentially. We’re playing the top side in the world and the last 20 minutes is going to be very important.”

Ireland captain Johnny Sexton gives verdict on strength of Scotland challenge

14:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ireland captain Johnny Sexton feels he is preparing to face the best Scotland team of the Six Nations era after declaring himself fit for Sunday’s Murrayfield showdown.

Andy Farrell’s men travel to Edinburgh with Grand Slam aspirations still intact thanks to bonus-points wins over Wales, France and Italy.

The world’s top-ranked nation have dominated matches against the Scots during the past decade, winning 11 of the past 12 meetings.

But Gregor Townsend’s side have been a far tougher proposition in this year’s tournament – beating England and Wales before defeat in France – and are bidding for a first Triple Crown since the 1990 Five Nations to keep themselves in title contention.

Fly-half Sexton, who sat out the round-three win in Rome due to a groin issue sustained against France, believes Ireland are “privileged” to be vying for a clean sweep and is braced for the greatest test of the championship so far.

“We don’t consider ourselves favourites, we don’t even talk about that,” he said. “We think it’s going to be an incredibly tough game.”

Ireland captain Johnny Sexton gives verdict on strength of Scotland challenge

Team News - Ireland

14:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ireland are bolstered in their grand slam chase by the return to fitness of a handful of key faces. Tadhg Furlong makes his 2023 tournament bow at tighthead, with the prop trusted to start immediately in that outstanding all-Leinster front row. Johnny Sexton is back to full health and re-takes the captaincy, joined in playmaking partnership by Garry Ringrose, so missed by Ireland in Rome.

It is a mark of Ireland’s depth that even with Stuart McCloskey absent with a niggle, Andy Farrell can start a Lion in Bundee Aki and return another in Robbie Henshaw to his matchday 23.

Ireland XV: Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong; Iain Henderson, James Ryan; Peter O’Mahony, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris; Conor Murray, Johnny Sexton (capt.); James Lowe, Bundee Aki, Garry Ringrose, Mack Hansen; Hugo Keenan.

Replacements: Ronan Kelleher, Cian Healy, Tom O’Toole, Ryan Baird, Jack Conan; Jamison Gibson-Park, Ross Byrne, Robbie Henshaw

Team News - Scotland

14:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Gregor Townsend’s first choice side is reasonably settled, with the Scotland head coach making only a couple of tweaks to his starting fifteen. They come in the pack: Grant Gilchrist’s red card against France necessitates a second row change, prompting the promotion of Jonny Gray to join his brother, while there is a switch in the back row, too, with Jamie Ritchie moved to the openside, Matt Fagerson to the blindside and Jack Dempsey starting at number eight.

Three all-rounders ensure plenty of versatility and balance across the trio, with Hamish Watson in reserve if a specialist seven is required. Scott Cummings is back amongst things alongside Watson on the bench, and Chris Harris returns after missing the France defeat for the birth of his child to ensure a conventional 5:3 split.

Scotland XV: Pierre Schoeman, George Turner, Zander Fagerson; Richie Gray, Jonny Gray; Matt Fagerson, Jamie Ritchie (capt.), Jack Dempsey; Ben White, Finn Russell; Duhan van der Merwe, Sione Tuipulotu, Huw Jones, Kyle Steyn; Stuart Hogg.

Replacements: Fraser Brown, Jamie Bhatti, Simon Berghan, Scott Cummings, Hamish Watson; Ali Price, Blair Kinghorn, Chris Harris.

Scotland vs Ireland

14:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

There’s rain forecast to arrive in Edinburgh later but for now the weather is set fair in the Scottish capital, with the temperature nudging up into double figures - plenty pleasant enough for an eagerly anticipated encounter.

Scotland vs Ireland: Why Six Nations clash is one to savour

14:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s the final Sunday of the 2023 men’s Six Nations, with only next Saturday’s full three-game slate to follow today’s action from Murrayfield.

Ireland are in Edinburgh continuing their grand slam hunt, with Scotland hoping to keep their own championship hopes alive and secure a triple crown.

It’s the best Scottish side in a generation against maybe the best Ireland team ever - this is a Celtic clash to savour:

Why Scotland’s Six Nations duel with Ireland is a Celtic clash to savour

Scotland vs Ireland

14:00 , Lawrence Ostlere

Follow the score and latest updates from the Six Nations.