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.

The Scots have lost each of their last 10 meetings against the Irish in a run stretching back to February 2017.

Scotland v Ireland ‘needle’ is ‘more on the Irish side’, claims Gregor Townsend - Both teams won their opening fixture but the Scots have not beaten the Irish since 2017

Gregor Townsend says he does not view Scotland's Six Nations showdown with Ireland on Sunday as a "needle game", and insists ending a 10-match losing run to the Irish provides no extra motivation.