Ireland power through Scotland to stay unbeaten with Prendergast to the fore

Yesterday at 12:21 PM

• Scotland 18-32 Ireland
• Finn Russell forced off early after clash of heads

The song remains the same for Scotland. The sound of bagpipes had drifted around Murrayfield, Flower of Scotland was belted out with customary passion, and the inspirational figure of Chris Hoy even delivered the match ball. But when showtime arrived Ireland, yet again, were simply too good, too physical, too precise. The reigning champions recorded an 11th straight victory over Scotland and they are two from two, topping the table ahead of France and England, pleasingly poised for a third straight title.

There had been a sense of triumph in the way Hoy, diagnosed with terminal cancer last year, made his way on to the pitch before kick-off to a stirring reception from the Scottish crowd. Hope existed among those fans that this might, finally, be their day against the Irish. And while there were flashes of brilliance, particularly Duhan van der Merwe's stunning finish before half-time, Scotland's talented back line is still not complemented by a forward pack that can compete with the very best.