Sione Tuipulotu ‘really proud’ of Scotland’s bounce back Six Nations

Captain Sione Tuipulotu insists a deflating climax to Scotland’s Guinness Six Nations campaign is not the end for the current squad.

The Glasgow centre’s dreams of securing his country’s first Triple Crown in 36 years were dashed by Saturday’s 43-21 defeat to Ireland in Dublin.

Scotland began the championship with a limp 18-15 loss to Italy in Rome before roaring back to regain the Calcutta Cup from England, secure a fine comeback win against Wales and stun eventual champions France to remain in title contention until the final day.

“I’ve seen what’s gone in behind the scenes and I’m super proud of the group and the way we bounced back after Italy,” said Tuipulotu.

“It’s not an easy thing to do and I’m really proud of the boys, how they rallied this championship.

“We’ve definitely made progress, there’s no doubt about that.

“My goal was to lift that Triple Crown on that field and we didn’t get there, but there was progression and I don’t feel like it’s the end for this group.

“I feel like this is a good starting point for us. I’m proud of our championship.”

Scotland travelled to the Aviva Stadium bidding to secure a first Triple Crown since 1990 and, potentially, a maiden Six Nations title.

But despite twice moving to within five points of their hosts in the second half, Gregor Townsend’s side were powerless to prevent a 12th consecutive defeat to Ireland, dating back to 2018.

“They won more collisions than we did,” conceded Tuipulotu.

“I don’t know why. We’ll have to go back and look at it. But they won that area of the game and it went a long way to them winning it.”

Darcy Graham’s fourth try of the tournament cancelled out Jamie Osborne’s opener but Ireland led 19-7 at the break following further scores from Dan Sheehan and Robert Baloucoune.

Scotland responded through Finn Russell and Rory Darge, either side of a finish from Ireland replacement Darragh Murray, but hope of a famous comeback – and silverware – was extinguished by a late double from Tommy O’Brien.

“I’m proud of how we stepped up in the second half, we clawed it back to 26-21, but I think Ireland were deserved winners,” said Tuipulotu.

“Every time we kicked back and got it back to five points or got it back between one score they hit back again and stretched the lead so it was hard for us to put scoreboard pressure on.

“We were able to dominate the France game (a 50-40 win) because our error count and penalty count was so low.

“I think those two areas maybe just crept up a little bit and let Ireland go with field position, and they’re very good when they have the ball in your 22.”