Ireland’s hopes of a Triple Crown are still alive after they survived a late resurgence from Scotland to emerge winners in Edinburgh by three points.

Tries from Jamie Heaslip and Eoin Reddan that were converted by Ronan O’Gara were answered by three penalties from Chris Paterson that kept the hosts in touch as Ireland went into the break 14-9 in front.

Ireland consolidated their lead in the 51st minute when O’Gara scored a try and then converted it make the score 21-9.

Rather than control the remainder of the game, the Irish lost the run of themselves and continued to concede needless penalties that gave the Scots hope.

Paterson notched on two more penalties and Dan Parks kicked a drop goal to leave the gap at just three points.

However, the Irish were able to stem the final Scottish attacks and get out of Edinburgh with the win.