Just as they had done against the Welsh, lock Sophie Spence, full-back Ashleigh Baxter and winger Alison Miller all crossed while in defence they were equally proficient securing their second successive shutout.

Niamh Briggs contributed the remaining points with a penalty and a conversion and now Ireland face England in their final match with the Triple Crown and the RBS 6 Nations title potentially on the line.

Philip Doyle's team made a rapid start and soon had their first try when Niamh Kavanagh punched the initial hole in the Scottish defence before Spence ran in from close range.

Briggs added the conversion and Ireland remained on the front foot with a pass to the onrushing Miller being ruled forward to the relief of the visitors.

Briggs was involved at both ends of the pitch being held up just short of the Scottish line before producing a try-saving tackle on Stephanie Johnston to keep the away side at bay.

The relief was only temporary for the Scots as fly-half Lynne Cantwell scorched through the Scottish defence before the ball was moved at speed down the line for Baxter to finish in the corner to round off the first-half scoring at 12-0.

Ireland remained on the front foot after the break and after Grave Davitt and Kavanagh both made inroads into the Scottish half, Briggs was able to nudge the hosts further ahead with a penalty.

It seemed a case of how many more tries Ireland could rack up at times but Scotland - to their credit - defended stubbornly and Kavangah was only just denied on two occasions.

But they would could a third try when lock Louise Reilly did superbly did charge down a clearing Scottish kick and Irish captain Fiona Coghlan capitalised to put Miller in the corner.