'Not the end' for Scotland after Six Nations hopes end - Tuipulotu
Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu insists it is "not the end for this group" despite a disappointing finale to their Six Nations campaign in Dublin. The Scots went into the game against Ireland seeking a first Triple Crown since 1990, while also knowing a win could secure a first title since 1999 depending on France's result against England later on Saturday. However, they went behind in the third minute and did not lead at any stage, eventually losing 43-21.
Ireland - as they so often have in this fixture - won the physical battle, taking their winning streak against Scotland to 12 matches. "My goal was to lift the Triple Crown and we didn't get there, but there's progress there and I don't feel like it's the end for this group," Tuipulotu said. "This is a good starting point.
"I'm proud of how we stepped up in the second half and got it back to 26-21, but Ireland were deserved winners. Every time we got it back to one score, they hit back. Credit to them.
" Impressive Ireland beat Scotland to win Triple Crown Six Nations title permutations after Ireland beat Scotland After a narrow loss in Rome to open their campaign, Gregor Townsend's side bounced back with victories against England, Wales and France. Tuipulotu says Scotland have unquestionably improved over the course of the competition, despite falling short against Ireland. "I've seen what's gone in behind the scenes and I'm proud of the boys, how they rallied this championship," he said.
"We've definitely made progress, there's no doubt about that. " Townsend came under heavy pressure after the defeat against Italy in their opener, but he too agreed with Tuipulotu's assessment that it has been a positive tournament for his side. "The performances we've delivered, especially the three victories, is some of the best rugby I've seen us play," he said.