Ireland has taken a huge step to an unprecedented third straight Six Nations title by securing a bonus-point 32-18 win at Scotland, which lost two key players in the first half to a nasty clash of heads at Murrayfield.

Ireland remained on track for a Six Nations Grand Slam after handing Scotland a bruising 32-18 defeat in an impressive exhibition of stealth and power at Murrayfield on Sunday.

Gregor Townsend wants perspective after Scotland’s Six Nations loss to Ireland - Sunday’s demoralising defeat at the hands of an Irish side chasing a third consecutive title brought a familiar sense of deflation for Scotland.