The Irish are one win away from a Grand Slam at the Six Nations.

Ireland beat Scotland 22-7 at Murrayfield on Sunday for their fourth straight win in the championship to 19 points, just four points more than champions France.

The French are the only team that can stop Andy Farrell’s relentless team from claiming their first Six Nations title since 2018. earlier next Saturday.

England come in with a record 53-10 loss to France in the 4th Round.

Scotland’s 12th defeat to Ireland in their last 13 games ended the hosts’ fight for the title, but the result was even at halftime, with the Irish leading just 8-7 thanks to Mack Hansen’s 28th minute attempt at the right corner. minute.

Ireland showed their experience and class in the second half with two quick-shot attempts that dashed the hopes of the Scots who failed to score a point after the break.

Kyle Steyn of Scotland, right, retrieves the ball during the Six Nations rugby union international match between Scotland and Ireland at BT Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh.

“We said this is where we wanted to be at halftime. We thought we would open in the second half,” Hansen said.

After Hansen had a down-and-out swing on the right wing, the ball bounced back to the left, and after a series of stages, Jamison Gibson-Park’s miss found winger James Lowe. At Turn 57.

Five minutes later, Hansen played a key role in Ireland’s third attempt, sending backup Jack Conan across the right touchline. The back line forward had Duhan van der Merwe’s massive body, but he did it and crossed the line.

One more try was required to earn a fourth consecutive bonus point in this tournament, and it was almost followed by the length of the court move. It ended with winger James Ryan battling about five meters away and his load just escaping from Lowe.

Irish center Garry Ringrose will definitely not be playing against England next weekend after appearing to lose consciousness while making an interception with around 10 minutes left.

Mack Hansen of Ireland takes on Scott Cummings of Scotland in the Six Nations rugby union international match between Scotland and Ireland at BT Murrayfield Stadium.

After his long treatment, he was put on a stretcher and taken away with applause.

Ireland also lost to strikers Caelan Doris, Dan Sheehan and Iain Henderson with injuries in their first 25-minute bruise match.

“We knew this was going to be the toughest game of the year,” Hansen said. “To be fair to the Scottish kids, they turned out – it was a very tough test match.”

Ireland captain Jonathan Sexton couldn’t wait until next weekend.

“We’re going to play against an English team that hurts and we have great respect for. The Irish people will be behind us next week. We look forward to that.”

The last of Ireland’s three Grand Slams in the championship was in 2018.

For Scotland, there have been back-to-back defeats after starting the tournament with victories for England and Wales. In the 5th round, the guest is Italy.

“It’s disappointing that we didn’t put our game there,” said Scotland coach Gregor Townsend.

“What we wanted today was a full, 80-minute performance. We just got it for 40. We know we have to play well next week. Italy comes here with nothing to lose.”