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.

Ireland has taken a huge step to an unprecedented third straight Six Nations title by securing a bonus-point 32-18 win at Scotland, which lost two key players in the first half to a nasty clash of heads at Murrayfield.

Rugby’s Greatest Championship continues this weekend with matches at the Stadio Olimpico, Twickenham and Murrayfield.