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.

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend: "Finn [Russell is] fine. He actually passed his HIA but our staff sensed he wasn't totally aware of what was going on, so we made the call to not put him back on. "Darcy [Graham] is at hospital now, I've not had an update. I think everything was OK with his neck but they were checking out concussion.

Gregor Townsend dismissed any notion that Scotland versus Ireland has become a grudge match ahead of Sunday’s Guinness Six

I don’t think there’s any extra rivalry, but it’s definitely more on the Irish side,” said Gregor Townsend ahead of Scotland’s Six Nations clash with Ireland. “I think teams want to build up something to provide extra motivation so maybe it’s more on the Irish side or the Irish media side that there’s this rivalry or needle to give them extra motivation on why they want to win again.

Ireland stayed on course for an unprecedented third successive Six Nations title with a 32-18 win over Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday.

Ireland began their bid for a record third successive Six Nations title with a 27-22 win over England in Dublin, while Scotland demonstrated admirable resolve to beat Italy 31-19 in Edinburgh after the Azzurri drew level at 19-19.