A tightly-contested first half in which Huw Jones and Mack Hansen exchanged tries ended with the visitors leading 8-7.
But the world’s top-ranked side – who lost five players to injury during the match – scored 14 points without reply after the break as James Lowe and substitute Jack Conan touched down either side of the hour mark, paving the way for an ultimately comfortable 22-7 victory in which Johnny Sexton became the joint-leading points scorer in the tournament’s history.
We give the Scotland players involved a mark out of ten for their performance in Edinburgh ...
. Pierre Schoeman
A real attacking threat in the loose and something of a surprise when he was replaced with almost half an hour left as Ireland went through front-row problems. 8 Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group / SRU
. George Turner
Recovered from early lineout aberration and was unlucky not to bag a try just before half-time. 6 Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group / SRU
. Zander Fagerson
Battled hard up front in a hugely physical contest before making way for Simon Berghan on 53 minutes. 7 Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group / SRU
. Richie Gray
Had to go off after six minutes with damaged ribs. n/a Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group
. Jonny Gray
Had to step up to the plate in the absence of the suspended Grant Gilchrist and his injured brother. 6 Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group / SRU
. Matt Fagerson
Hard tackling shift from the Glasgow back-row who was shifted to the flank to accommodate Dempsey. 6 Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group / SRU
9. Ben White
Feisty performance in difficult circumstances. Irish back row made it tough for him but stood up well. 6 Photo: Ross MacDonald - SNS Group / SRU
10. Finn Russell
Tried to spark Scottish attacks but was well marshalled by the Irish who limited his space. Put in a couple of thumping tackles. Limped off near the end with knee injury. 6 Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group / SRU
11. Duhan van der Merwe
Unable to stop Mack Hansen scoring in the first half and found himself at the sharp end as Scotland tried to hold Ireland back. A tough afternoon. 5 Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group / SRU
12. Sione Tuipulotu
Set up Huw Jones for his try and looked a real attacking threat in the first half. Saw less of the ball after the break. 6 Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group / SRU