OGara scored a try and kicked four penalties and a conversion as Ireland extended their winning sequence over Scotland to seven matches.

After a shaky start, Frank Haddens Scotland produced a much-improved display following the shock defeat to Italy and Chris Paterson kept the home side in it right to the end with six penalties in a flawless display.

Ireland started on the front foot, with Paul OConnell and Gordon DArcy breaking through the Scottish defence in ominous fashion.

On the second occasion Scotland flanker Kelly Brown was penalised in the resulting ruck and OGara kicked Ireland ahead after nine minutes.

The visitors were totally dominant in the first quarter but Scotland were gifted a chance to level the scores in the 17th minute when Ireland were caught offside and captain Paterson made no mistake with his kick.

Scotland became increasingly competitive and winger Sean Lamonts burst in midfield sent Paterson clear, but he was caught from behind by Denis Hickie.

The game now had plenty of edge to it with two flare-ups in the space of five minutes, the second of which was between the two captains, Paterson and Brian ODriscoll.

Ireland scored the games only try after half an hour when OGara charged down Dan Parks attempted clearance kick, collected the loose ball and - after DArcy and Easterby had exchanged passes - strolled over for his 12th international try before adding the conversion to make it 10-3.

Paterson reduced the deficit with a penalty after Rory Best was penalised in a scrum on his own line, and Paterson and OGara kicked a penalty apiece at the end of the half.

Scotland made a change at half-time, winger Rory Lamont replacing full-back Hugo Southwell, and Hadden had to further reshuffle his side when lock Nathan Hines was sin-binned for failing to roll clear of a ruck after tackling Denis Leamy.

ODriscoll made Irelands advantage count when he cut through Scotlands midfield before passing to Hickie but a tremendous cover tackle from Sean Lamont denied the Leinster winger another international try.

Scotland dealt with being a man light brilliantly, and they brought themselves to within a point of their opponents after 52 minutes when OConnell joined a ruck from the side and Paterson kicked the penalty.

Haddens men took the lead for the first time in the match when Irelands forward were penalised 25 yards out midway through the second period and once more Paterson came up with three points.

Paterson increased his sides lead to 18-13 five minutes later when Ireland were penalised for going over the top but OGara replied soon after following an infringement from replacement prop Allan Jacobsen.

Scotland were caught offside in the 70th minute and OGara kicked his side ahead by a point, a lead which they held onto to complete the Triple Crown.