In a breathless and full-blooded Dublin encounter, Ireland held off a spirited second-half surge from Scotland to deny Gregor Townsend's side a first Triple Crown since 1990 and a possible first championship since 1999. While a 12th successive loss against Ireland ended Scotland's ambitions, the bonus-point victory moves the Irish three points clear of holders France, who face England in Paris in Saturday's Six Nations finale (20:10 GMT). In a raucous Aviva Stadium atmosphere, Ireland full-back Jamie Osborne and Scotland wing Darcy Graham traded early tries before Dan Sheehan and Robert Baloucoune crossed to give the Irish a 19-7 half-time lead. Scotland, who came into the game on the back of a stunning 50-40 victory over France, raised hopes of a first win in Dublin since 2010 when Finn Russell and Rory Darge scored either side of Darragh Murray's bonus-point score for the hosts. But Scotland scored 40 unanswered points after falling behind against France last week and they were unmoved by Ireland's early salvo as they expertly navigated 19 phases before Graham scampered clear in the corner. While Ireland celebrated a 15th Triple Crown - and ninth of the Six Nations era - captain Caelan Doris admitted they will be cheering on England when they take on holders France in Paris in the conclusion to an enormously entertaining championship.