Scotland have lost to their bogey team Ireland againat an empty Murrayfield to leave Wales and France to play for the Six Nations title.
The Scots needed to beat the Irish for the first time in four years to stay in the title hunt but couldn't live with the opponents' power and street smarts, and made too many errors in a 27-24 defeat.
Scotland left themselves too much to overcome even though they came back from 24-10 down after an hour to level the score with four minutes to go.
But Ireland restarted play with a deep kick-off, and Scotland scrumhalf Ali Price was charged down by replacement lock Ryan Baird who also covered him up to earn a penalty.
Captain Johnny Sexton lined up the 39-metre kick from the left touchline and brilliantly slotted it for another match-winner.
"The fight, the will ... to get across the line at Murrayfield was outstanding in the end," Ireland coach Andy Farrell said.
"We got the turnover and big players, they take responsibility. Jonny put over the points."
Sexton talked during the week about British and Irish Lions places being on the line, and Ireland's maestro shaded Scotland maverick Finn Russell, who left with concussion near the end.
Sexton yet again was a difference maker as Ireland scored two tries to three but the captain had a superb all-round game and nailed six of his seven goalkicks.
The win was Ireland's 18th in 22 match-ups with Scotland in the Six Nations era and gives them a chance to finish the tournament with top-half respectability after their worst start since 1998.
They welcome England next week.
READ MORE:
FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED: Brumbies vs Reds
LE CRUNCH: England outlast France in classic
BLUES CONTINUE TO FIRE: Auckland keep up their winning ways
Scotland, for all of their improvement, will rue a continued lack of smarts.
After an historic win over England at Twickenham on the opening weekend, the Scots have lost both of their home games.
To come, they have Italy and the postponed match against France, which could yet be a title decider.
But it will all become moot if Wales at least draw with France in Paris next weekend and claims the trophy.
"Twickenham set the bar and for 32, 33 minutes against Wales the following week we played as well as Twickenham, in some aspects we played better," Scotland coach Gregor Townsend said.
"But we've not been consistent over the 80-minute period, against Wales and today."
