Six Nations: Ireland defeat Scotland to seal third spot

Ireland outwitted Scotland 35-25 in Dublin for an RBS 6 Nations victory that they hoped would be enough to salvage a third-place finish.

CJ Stander, Keith Earls, Conor Murray and Devin Toner all struck with tries as Ireland edged a thrilling Aviva Stadium encounter, capitalising on pivotal yellow cards for John Barclay and Alex Dunbar.

Joe Schmidt's men claimed three tries when Scotland were reduced to 14 men, leaving captain Rory Best and company hoping England could beat France in Paris to hand Ireland third place.

Johnny Sexton was sin-binned late on for Ireland for killing the ball, and that after being upended by Dunbar for the Scotland centre's earlier yellow card.

Stuart Hogg, Richie Gray and Dunbar claimed Scotland's scores, but Ireland were still able to grind home.

Schmidt's victory over close friend and former Clermont coaching colleague Vern Cotter softened Ireland's frustrating campaign, his side slipping from defending champions into mid-table.