Ireland claimed a nervy 17-13 victory over Scotland in Dublin to seal back-to-back Six Nations titles. Ireland saw their grand slam dreams crushed by England last week but quickly bounced back to win the championship, although they were made to work hard for the win.
Andy Farrell’s men only needed to avoid defeat to guarantee that they would be lifting the trophy at the Aviva Stadium and they led 7-6 at half-time thanks to Dan Sheehan’s try following an overthrown lineout.
They then roared out of the blocks in the second half and moved 17-6 ahead with Andrew Porter’s try, meaning Huw Jones’s late score was only a consolation for the Scots and the hosts saw the game out to spark celebrations at the Aviva Stadium.
For their part, Gregor Townsend’s troops were smarting following a shock 31-29 defeat to Italy last time out that scuppered their title chances and although they put in an improved performance in Dublin, they have now lost 10 straight matches against Ireland and a Six Nations that started with so much promise will ultimately go down as a failure after just two wins.
Relive all the action with our blog below:
Ireland v Scotland – Six Nations latest updates
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Ireland win Six Nations title with victory over Scotland
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REPORT: Battling Ireland bounce back to win Six Nations title and crush Scotland dreams
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FULL-TIME! Ireland 17-13 Scotland
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78’ – TRY! Jones with a lovely solo try to bring Scots within four (IRE 17-13 SCO)
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65’ – TRY! Porter crashes over from close range after Scotland down to 14 men (IRE 17-6 SCO)
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HALF-TIME! Ireland 7-6 Scotland
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13’ – TRY! Turner overthrows a lineout to give Sheehan a simple score (IRE 7-3 SCO)
France v England LIVE: Score and updates from Six Nations Super Saturday finale in Lyon
19:56 , Luke Baker
One final game to come in the Six Nations. A Saturday evening showdown in Lyon between France and England. Come and join us on the live blog
France v England LIVE: Latest Six Nations updates from Lyon
Battling Ireland bounce back to win Six Nations title and crush Scotland dreams
19:36 , Luke Baker
Ireland became back-to-back Six Nations champions by crushing Scotland’s quest for a first triple crown in 34 years with a scrappy 17-13 win.
Andy Farrell’s hosts were well below their free-flowing best in Dublin but avoided any major ‘Super Saturday’ drama to retain the championship title.
Andrew Porter’s second-half try fatally broke the resistance of the stubborn Scots to ignite the St Patrick’s weekend celebrations and satisfy an expectant capacity crowd at the Aviva Stadium.
Hooker Dan Sheehan set Ireland on course for glory – and a 10th successive win over Scotland – with an opportunistic first-half score, while Jack Crowley kicked seven points.
A pair of first-half Finn Russell penalties meant Gregor Townsend’s men trailed just 7-6 at the break and he added a late conversion following Huw Jones’ consolation try.
Yet the Scots were powerless to prevent Ireland bouncing back from the disappointment of their dream of successive grand slams being agonisingly ended by England last weekend.
Battling Ireland bounce back to win Six Nations title and crush Scotland dreams
Ireland lift Six Nations trophy
19:24 , Luke Baker
Here’s the moment Ireland lifted the Six Nations trophy after beating Scotland.
Back-to-back champions and they’ll take some stopping.
Gregor Townsend ‘really proud of his players’
19:16 , Luke Baker
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend told BBC Radio Scotland: “I feel really proud of the players. All 23 – the effort they put in today in one of the toughest environments to play in.
“They fronted up in the first half, very physical, and at times created opportunities to pressure Ireland. We know we could have done better in the third quarter, but I’m so proud of the effort at the end.
“To score that try and then look like we might score another try, that’s all you can ask from your team. You could see the fitness of our players and the impact of our bench.
“We tried at the end, and it’s a shame we couldn’t get through a few more phases. Our forwards did really well, Stafford McDowall carried hard at times. We probably didn’t get the rewards in the first half.
“It was a very close Test match until we got a man in the bin, but I’m so proud of the guys.”
Peter O’Mahony discusses potential retirement and Six Nations win
19:06 , Luke Baker
Peter O’Mahony spoke to ITV after the narrow win in Dublin.
On whether he will now retire from international rugby: “I don’t know. I’ve got a few chats to have with family over the next couple of weeks. If it was my last one, it’s not a bad one to go out on.
“This has been one of the tougher weeks of my career. We weren’t happy with the performance last week and knew we could do better. Thankfully today we did it against a seriously good Scottish side. We showed grit and ambition with the ball in a damp, greasy environment.
“We played good rugby in the middle 20 minutes of the second half and that was important for us. We spoke about getting stuck in.
“This is a special group of people – players and staff. The World Cup experience bonded the group. It’s a huge honour to captain your country and a huge honour every time you’re selected to play. We showed it the utmost respect today.”
Ireland win the 2024 Six Nations
18:52 , Luke Baker
At one stage it looked like Ireland would cruise to back-to-back grand slams in the Six Nations but England scuppered that at Twickenham last week.
However, Andy Farrell’s men bounced back to get the win they needed today to seal the title. They were made to work hard by Scotland but Andrew Porter’s try proved decisive. They won’t be easy to stop next year either as they go for three on the spin.
FULL-TIME! Ireland 17-13 Scotland – IRELAND WIN THE SIX NATIONS
18:46 , Luke Baker
And it’s there! Clock goes red, they boot into the stands and Ireland win the 2024 Six Nations! Not always pretty but they win and seal back-to-back titles. Well deserved
Ireland 17-13 Scotland, 79 mins
18:45 , Luke Baker
Go through the phases and eat the remaining clock is the aim for Ireland
Ireland 17-13 Scotland, 79 mins
18:44 , Luke Baker
Scotland look to run from deep. A try would win it! Russell fakes a cross-field kick. But they knock on! Roar from the Irish crowd. They’re all but there.
Bunker review complete and Byrne’s yellow card stays yellow by the way
TRY! Ireland 17-13 Scotland (Huw Jones, 78 mins)
18:43 , Luke Baker
And they do score! Huw Jones does it all himself.
He slips through one tackle and breas through the defensive line. One on one with Lowe in the backfield, steps him beautifully and runs under the posts. Easy conversion and Scotland within four points.
They couldn’t, could they…
Ireland 17-6 Scotland, 77 mins
18:41 , Luke Baker
Scotland run some phases and Horne and Redpath link up well to get into the 22. This is one of the best chances to score a try they’ve had this entire match.
SIN-BIN! Ireland 17-6 Scotland, 75 mins
18:40 , Luke Baker
Scotland try to run from deep and do win a penalty for Byrne’s high tackle so Russell can eat up a chunk of territory with his kick to touch.
Sin-bin over, Ashman returns and we’re 15 vs 15 for the final few minutes. Actually, scratch that. Harry Byrne is pinged for the high tackle and the TMO review sees him yellow carded for head to head contact on Russell. The bunker will review to see if it’s upgraded to red.
Either way, Ireland down to 14 for the rest of the match
Ireland 17-6 Scotland, 74 mins
18:36 , Luke Baker
Russell with the exit kick from in his own in-goal area. Good length on it. Henshaw then knocks on in contact after the lineout, so Russell can boot into Irish territory.
WATCH: Andrew Porter crashes over
18:35 , Luke Baker
Here was that Andrew Porter try
Ireland 17-6 Scotland, 71 mins
18:34 , Luke Baker
Yes we will. They maul within a couple of metres of the line but Scotland’s maul defence is strong and they win the turnover! Turner and Redpath right in the mix there to hold up the splinter maul and stop Irish momentum.
Ireland 17-6 Scotland, 70 mins
18:33 , Luke Baker
Ireland taking the air out of the game now. Slowing things down and seeing out time. It will take something special for Scotland from here.
They’ve got to defend a lineout 10 metres from their own line first though. Will we see the famed Irish maul?
Ireland 17-6 Scotland, 68 mins
18:29 , Luke Baker
Cian Healy and Harry Byrne on for Porter and Larmour. Ireland will aim to see this game out from here and seal the title.
TRY! Ireland 17-6 Scotland (Andrew Porter, 65 mins)
18:27 , Luke Baker
And this time it’s there! Ireland tap and go from the penalty again, a reverse pass out the back to Andrew Porter and the prop barrels over. That’s the breakthrough they needed!
Simple conversion for Crowley and is that a Six Nations-winning try?
SIN-BIN! Ireland 10-6 Scotland (Ewan Ashman, 65 mins)
18:25 , Luke Baker
Ireland have a choice of penalties. Three of them and Ewan Ashman will be sin-binned for the third of those, being offside. Scotland down to 14 for now.
While this is happening, Jack Conan comes on for O’Mahony.
Ireland 10-6 Scotland, 65 mins
18:23 , Luke Baker
With penalty advantage, Ireland go to the backs. Gibson-Park floats across, Henshaw carries and gets over the line but it’s good defensive work from Redpath to hold his opposite number up. Wraps his arm around the ball to stop it being grounded. Christie also there helping.
We go to the TMO to check and he confirms that.
Ireland 10-6 Scotland, 64 mins
18:22 , Luke Baker
Good carries from Ireland. Gibson-Park snipes and gets to five metres out. Forward heft now as O’Mahony goes for the line. Multiple penalties against Scotland though.
Ireland 10-6 Scotland, 63 mins
18:21 , Luke Baker
Larmour spills a kick on his own 22. Dempsey picks up and takes Scotland to the 22. But another loose ball and Ringrose collects. He hares down the right touchline!
Van der Merwe in pursuit and drags him down as he reaches the 22 – good covering pace – but Ireland back in Scotland territory.
Ireland 10-6 Scotland, 62 mins
18:19 , Luke Baker
Scrum penalty to Scotland. Another great defensive set and Russell gleefully thumps the ball to touch well out of the 22. Superb by the visitors.
George Horne, Cam Redpath, Matt Fagerson all on for Scotland.
Ireland 10-6 Scotland, 61 mins
18:18 , Luke Baker
O’Mahony has a go. Then Ireland spread the ball. Aki straightens and tries to crash in under the posts but is stopped. And then a knock-on! Ball a shade behind Ringrose but he knocks on – doesn’t watch the ball into the bread basket from Gibson-Park’s pass and makes the mistake.
Scotland survive again but still face a five-metre scrum!
Ireland 10-6 Scotland, 59 mins
18:16 , Luke Baker
O’Mahony claims the lineout throw from Kelleher. The maul moves towards the line and Aki joins to add heft. A couple fo burrowing carries for the line follow. Bealham has a go.
Then Beirne digs for the line. Defence holding
Ireland 10-6 Scotland, 58 mins
18:14 , Luke Baker
Ringrose gets involved on crash ball. Beirne and Van der Flier, in the colourful scrum caps, take the next two carries and Scotland still hold firm but another penalty.
Five-metre lineout again…
Ireland 10-6 Scotland, 57 mins
18:13 , Luke Baker
Sloppy by Scotland. Van der Merwe claims well in the air to set up the attack but White’s pass is then betwixt men and Gilchrist knocks on.
Ireland sub and Garry Ringrose gets a good reception as he returns after injury, coming on for Nash. Crowley’s kick sets up a five-metre Irish lineout
Ireland 10-6 Scotland, 55 mins
18:11 , Luke Baker
Scotland scrum under pressure in their own 22 but they just about manage to recycle the ball. Good exit by White as his box kick goes towards halfway.
Ronan Kelleher and Ryan Baird come on for Dan Sheehan and Joe McCarthy.
Ireland 10-6 Scotland, 54 mins
18:09 , Luke Baker
Gibson-Park on a Sexton-esque wraparound from Aki to make good ground and Van der Flier then gets them within five metres. Ball flung to the right, Nash dances in off his wing, steps inside one defender, slaloms inside another and goes for the line but stopped short and he knocks on!
Andy Christie helped dislodge it – the Scottish blindside flanker having a superb game. Scotland clinging on by their fingertips in this match
Ireland 10-6 Scotland, 52 mins
18:07 , Luke Baker
Great kick through by the outside of Nash’s right boot, behind the Scottish back three, and Van der Merwe in full-on retreat mode to collect the ball. He’s caught by defenders near his own line but Scotland able to recycle and a decent box-kick by White clears but only to the 22.
Ireland 10-6 Scotland, 51 mins
18:05 , Luke Baker
Big dump tackle from Lowe on Steyn! Then another Scottish knock-on. Van der Merwe’s pass to Russell bounces off the fly half’s hands.
Furlong made a big tackle in that passage and the medic is on to check on him. He’s off for a HIA, with Finlay Bealham coming on.
Ireland 10-6 Scotland, 50 mins
18:03 , Luke Baker
Kinghorn strides down the right flank off first-phase scrum ball and Scotland are into Irish territory. Dempsey then makes good ground but Gibson-Park pilfers the ball away! More great work from the Irish No 9. Crowley kicks clear.
Ireland 10-6 Scotland, 49 mins
18:02 , Luke Baker
And now Ireland knock on in the tackle so will end that phase of play point-less. Big win for Scotland.
Ewan Ashman and Rory Sutherland on in the front row for Scotland, for Turner and Schoeman.
NO TRY! Ireland 10-6 Scotland, 48 mins
17:57 , Luke Baker
Sheehan the carrier. Up to within inches of the line. Beirne offloads to Furlong and he lunges for the line! Knock on or try? On-field decision is no try but we go to the TMO…
Furlong escapes the first tackle then reaches out for the line with the ball. Russell in on the tackle and Fagerson slides in to try and dislodge the ball as the Ireland prop tries to ground it.
Marius Jonker, the TMO, says the ball is dislodged before being grounded. Too much doubt there, so it’s a goal-line dropout for Scotland. They survive!
Ireland 10-6 Scotland, 47 mins
17:56 , Luke Baker
Aki runs a great line and gets within a metre of the line! Scotland offside and we’ll come back for the penalty. Five metres out, central and they’ll tap and go!
Ireland 10-6 Scotland, 46 mins
17:55 , Luke Baker
Crowd roaring now. Lineout secured and Ireland go left. McCarthy takes the ball up tot he five-metre line. Ireland pressing. Henshaw crash ball – speed of ball is great.
Ireland 10-6 Scotland, 44 mins
17:54 , Luke Baker
Oooh, mistake from Russell! His kick-off straight out on the full and Ireland are on top here. They then win a penalty from the scrum.
Fields of Athenry echoes round the Aviva and this is a tangible momentum swing. Ireland with the lineout on the 22…
PENALTY! Ireland 10-6 Scotland (Jack Crowley, 43 mins)
17:52 , Luke Baker
Ireland straight on the board in this second half. Simple penalty for Jack Crowley from a central position and he slots it.
Ireland 7-6 Scotland, 42 mins
17:51 , Luke Baker
The Irish support into the match for the first time. The men in green are into the 22 and fling the ball right, where Nash takes contact. The blue wall staying strong but they do concede a penalty.
Crowley calls for the tee.
Ireland 7-6 Scotland, 41 mins
17:50 , Luke Baker
Larmour with a good carry up the middle before Lowe barrels up to the 22 down the left. Then Aki bashes a man as well – Ireland’s big ball-carriers making an early statement.
KICK-OFF! Ireland 7-6 Scotland
17:49 , Luke Baker
And we’re back underway in Dublin. Ireland 40 minutes away from Six Nations glory. Or are Scotland 40 minutes away from a seismic shock?
WATCH: First-half highlights from Ireland v Scotland
17:43 , Luke Baker
Not much by way of highlights in that first half but here’s a couple…
HALF-TIME! Ireland 7-6 Scotland
17:39 , Luke Baker
HALF-TIME! Ireland 7-6 Scotland
17:35 , Luke Baker
Tense, cagey affair in Dublin. Dan Sheehan’s score off George Turner’s overthrown lineout is the only try of the first half and the story has been Scotland frustrating Ireland with their stifling defence.
This game is in the balance and Ireland will need to find a way through.
Ireland 7-6 Scotland, 40+4 mins
17:33 , Luke Baker
Half-gap slipped through by Crowley but this Scotland defence is a blue wall. And the pass bounces into touch, so that’s half-time
Ireland 7-6 Scotland, 40+2 mins
17:32 , Luke Baker
Slight room down the left for Sheehan but he throws the ball inside, on the deck and Kinghorn boots into the Irish backfield and hares after it.
Good covering by Nash, who slips under Kinghorn’s tackle, which is slightly high, and makes some ground in return. Back for the penalty for the tackle though and Ireland opt to kick to halfway to try and score before the break
Ireland 7-6 Scotland, 40 mins
17:30 , Luke Baker
Some running room for Ireland to the right and Lowe takes it into contact after 10 metres of ground gained. Scotland’s defence then stiffens and the air once again goes out of the attack as the hosts are forced back towards halfway.
Ireland 7-6 Scotland, 39 mins
17:29 , Luke Baker
The atmosphere is slightly flat at the Aviva, by the way. Nervous tension from the fans? Understandable if so.
That’s not great from Scotland though. Gibson-Park hares off the base of the scrum to close down Russell and the fly half’s pass is errant, going forward. Superb from Ireland’s No 9 to win his side a scrum.
Ireland 7-6 Scotland, 37 mins
17:26 , Luke Baker
Scotland are forcing Irish errors here. They’re bang in this match – can they last 80 minutes and find a way to pierce the green wall though?
McDowall manages to hold up his man in a tackle on halfway and win Scotland a scrum. Slaps on the back for the centre.
MISSED PENALTY! Ireland 7-6 Scotland, 35 mins
17:25 , Luke Baker
Not there from Jack Crowley. A long kick and it drifts wide left. The fact Ireland even went for that shows how tight this game is.
Ireland 7-6 Scotland, 34 mins
17:25 , Luke Baker
Better scrum by Scotland, allowing Russell to exit with the kick. Scotland keeping this tight so far. Lowe then gets slightly caught in possession outside his 22, belatedly running a kick back rather than booting clear but teammates rush to secure the ball at the ruck and Gibson-Park box kicks clear.
The pack then win a penalty at a following ruck and Crowley will try a long-range penalty.
Ireland 7-6 Scotland, 32 mins
17:22 , Luke Baker
Dominant scrum by Ireland to win the penalty and now a platform to build from with a lineout on the 22. Nash clatters into contact like a proper modern winger.
Van der Flier gets double tackled and makes a couple of metre but gets caught in contact and Christie forces the turnover although a question of him not releasing the man perhaps. Got away with it though, so good back-row work from the Saracens man, who has played well today.
Ireland 7-6 Scotland, 30 mins
17:19 , Luke Baker
Christie on the crash ball in midfield makes a couple of metres but the ball then bounces off Van der Merwe’s hands and goes forward. It was slightly behind Van der Merwe by Russell, who passing has been just a shade off so far. Ireland scrum
Ireland 7-6 Scotland, 28 mins
17:17 , Luke Baker
Solid scrum second time around and Scotland build. What a run by McDowall! The centre, into the team today, shows his strength to barrel through tacklers, including Aki, and make 25 metres or so. Superb stuff.
The attack eventually ends with a kick that bounces into touch though.
Ireland 7-6 Scotland, 27 mins
17:15 , Luke Baker
Ireland knock on in the tackle. Scotland’s defensive blue wall really is holding firm in this game – a good defensive gameplan from Steve Tandy so far.
Scottish scrum just inside their own half. And we reset because of course we do
Ireland 7-6 Scotland, 24 mins
17:12 , Luke Baker
Scotland’s defensive tactic of not overcommitting at the ruck serving them well so far. Crowley forced into a speculative dinked chip-kick when the air goes out of the attack but it rolls out the side of the in-goal area for a 22 dropout.
Cagey stuff so far. No one has managed to burst this game open yet.
Ireland 7-6 Scotland, 21 mins
17:09 , Luke Baker
Sheehan clattered on halfway and Christie forces the turnover by getting hands on the ball. Scotland then immediately kick turnover ball but it runs dead for a goal-line dropout.
WATCH: Ireland pounce for first try
17:08 , Luke Baker
Here’s that Ireland try. George Turner won’t want to watch this back…
Ireland 7-6 Scotland, 20 mins
17:07 , Luke Baker
Scotland making Ireland play, not committing men to the breakdown, but it’s the normal quickfire service from Gibson-Park at the base of each ruck.
Crowley tries a grubber through and Kinghorn bravely lets it bounce out the side of the in-goal area. Right decision in the end but he had an Irishman haring at him trying to get there before the ball went dead.
Porter receives some treatment on his shoulder but he’s good to continue.
Ireland 7-6 Scotland, 19 mins
17:05 , Luke Baker
Supple hands from furlong and then a great offload by Nash from the tackle allows Aki to make ten metres of so. Ireland approaching the 22 and keep it in the forwards for a few phases.
PENALTY! Ireland 7-6 Scotland (Finn Russell, 17 mins)
17:04 , Luke Baker
Kick is bang in front of the posts, on the 22, and Finn Russell eats those for breakfast. Three points and the gap cut to 7-6
Ireland 7-3 Scotland, 16 mins
17:03 , Luke Baker
A couple of big carries for Schoeman and then Jones has room down the right flank to get across the gainline. Decent rhythm by Scotland but when Van der Merwe is caught behind the gainline by Aki, who reads it superbly, we come back for the penalty.
Russell calls for the tee.
Ireland 7-3 Scotland, 15 mins
17:02 , Luke Baker
Scotland need to settle after that hammer blow of a try conceded. They have ball in the Irish half and Kinghorn makes a half-break down the left to get to the 22.
Then they go right with Jones on the powerful carry this time. Penalty coming for Irish offside
TRY! Ireland 7-3 Scotland (Dan Sheehan, 13 mins)
16:59 , Luke Baker
Oh no! Scotland what have you done…
George Turner overthrows the lineout, it’s caught by Sheehan and he has a simple run-in from close range. Simple mistakes that cost you dearly at this level.
Crowley curls in the conversion and Ireland lead.
Ireland 0-3 Scotland, 13 mins
16:59 , Luke Baker
Lovely lineout move as McCarthy plays flicks it back off the top, the pass is popped blind and Sheehan goes for the line but the Scottish defence push him to touch. Good defence
Ireland 0-3 Scotland, 12 mins
16:58 , Luke Baker
Van der MErwe caught offside as Ireland attack so they have penalty advantage. Gibson-Park fires a pass down the blindside, Lowe tries another kick through but it’s blocked, so back for the penalty.
Ireland go for the corner. Time for that irrepressible maul.
Ireland 0-3 Scotland, 10 mins
16:57 , Luke Baker
Good kick from Crowley to win some territory and Ireland come forward again. Lowe witha clever grubber kick through as he gets hit and Scotland have a lineout on their own five-metre line.
They go to Christie at the front and White box kicks clear. Decent exit.
PENALTY! Ireland 0-3 Scotland (Finn Russell, 8 mins)
16:55 , Luke Baker
A no mistake from Finn Russell. Slots the three points and Scotland ahead.
Ireland 0-0 Scotland, 7 mins
16:54 , Luke Baker
Mistake from Ireland at the ruck as Lowe plays the ball from his knees and it’s a Scotland penalty. First chance for Russell to get points on the board.
Ireland 0-0 Scotland, 6 mins
16:52 , Luke Baker
Scottish free kick from the lineout and it’s golden ball for Scotland near the Ireland line but Joe McCarthy rips the ball for the turnover and Ireland clear. Let-off
Ireland 0-0 Scotland, 4 mins
16:51 , Luke Baker
Contestable kicks being bombed into the air by both sides in the early going. That’s a change of tactic from Ireland who usually go long. Gibson-Park favouring the box kick.
Cagey start and that particular kicking battle eventually ends with James Lowe having a kick charged down by Christie! It bounces out for a lineout five metres from the Irish line.
Ireland 0-0 Scotland, 3 mins
16:48 , Luke Baker
Off scrappy lineout ball, Ireland go nowhere and then knock on. Scotland hoof clear and the first attack is successfully survived.
Ireland 0-0 Scotland, 2 mins
16:47 , Luke Baker
Early Gibson-Park box kick fielded by Russell and just a phase or two later, Ireland win the turnover at the breakdown. Dan Sheehan the man over the ball. Penalty kicked into touch on the 22 and a first attacking chance for the hosts
KICK-OFF! Ireland 0-0 Scotland
16:46 , Luke Baker
Scotland haven’t won in Dublin since 2010 and have lost the last nine matches between the sides. What can they do here?
We’re underway
Ireland v Scotland
16:44 , Luke Baker
Suitably rousing renditions and kick-off is imminent. Ireland just need to avoid defeat to become back-to-back Six Nations champs
Ireland v Scotland
16:40 , Luke Baker
The teams are out and anthems incoming
The one thing Ireland must prove as they face Six Nations title decider
16:36 , Luke Baker
Ireland aren’t used to losing in the Six Nations. It had been so long since they endured defeat against one of their northern hemisphere rivals that they may even have forgotten what it feels like.
It would be easy to internalise the frustration of being beaten 23-22 by England last weekend and channel it in the wrong way, leading to a downward spiral. But they’re aware they can’t afford to be defined by the pain.
Luke Baker explains how Ireland’s bouncebackability will be tested in Dublin:
The one thing Ireland must prove as they face Six Nations title decider
Six Nations title permutations
16:33 , Luke Baker
A reminder of the permutations heading into this clash. The short version is, if Ireland win or draw they’re the champions. Lose to Scotland in Dublin and it gets messy, possibly giving hope to England or France.
We’ll deal with that if it happens.
Here’s what each team needs to seal the crown:
Six Nations title permutations: Who needs what to win the championship?
BREAKING: Late change to Ireland team
16:30 , Luke Baker
A late change to the Ireland team with world-class full back Hugo Keenan ruled out with a hip injury and Jordan Larmour coming in. A few years ago, Larmour was the next big thing in Irish rugby and although he’s faltered slightly since, he’s on the up again.
Ireland XV: 1 Andrew Porter, 2 Dan Sheehan, 3 Tadhg Furlong; 4 Joe McCarthy, 5 Tadhg Beirne; 6 Peter O’Mahony (capt.), 7 Josh van der Flier, 8 Caelan Doris; 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 10 Jack Crowley; 11 James Lowe, 12 Bundee Aki, 13 Robbie Henshaw, 14 Calvin Nash; 15 Jordan Larmour.
Replacements: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 Ryan Baird, 20 Jack Conan; 21 Conor Murray, 22 Harry Byrne, 23 Garry Ringrose.
Brian O’Driscoll discusses his thoughts on Ireland v Scotland
16:25 , Luke Baker
Ireland legend Brian O’Driscoll has given his thoughts on the game today. Must-win for Ireland with a championship on the line, says BOD.
Ireland v Scotland
16:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Ireland are within touching distance of retaining the Guinness Six Nations title as they host Scotland.
Andy Farrell’s men were denied potential back-to-back Grand Slams by last weekend’s 23-22 defeat to England but remain in pole position to win the tournament.
Here are some of the main talking points ahead of today’s match in Dublin.
Dublin set for another title party – Ireland v Scotland talking points
Scotland team news
16:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Gregor Townsend hands a surprise start to Stafford McDowall at inside centre, with the tall Glasgow centre in good form at club level and picked partly to counter Ireland’s midfield physicality. Ben White returns at scrum half while the starting forward pack is unchanged. Rory Sutherland bolsters the bench as loosehead cover for Pierre Schoeman, replacing Alec Hepburn.
Scotland XV: 1 Pierre Schoeman, 2 George Turner, 3 Zander Fagerson; 4 Grant Gilchrist, 5 Scott Cummings; 6 Andy Christie, 7 Rory Darge (co-capt.), 8 Jack Dempsey; 9 Ben White, 10 Finn Russell; 11 Duhan van der Merwe, 12 Stafford McDowall, 13 Huw Jones, 14 Kyle Steyn; 15 Blair Kinghorn.
Replacements: 16 Ewan Ashman, 17 Rory Sutherland, 18 Elliot Millar-Mills, 19 Sam Skinner, 20 Matt Fagerson; 21 George Horne, 22 Cameron Redpath, 23 Kyle Rowe.
Ireland team newss
16:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Calvin Nash is passed fit to play for Ireland despite leaving the field with a head injury in the opening minutes of the defeat to England, allowing Andy Farrell to name an unchanged starting side. There are changes on the bench with Farrell moving away from a six/two forwards/backs split, with Harry Byrne and Garry Ringrose joining Conor Murray as the backline replacements.
Ireland XV: 1 Andrew Porter, 2 Dan Sheehan, 3 Tadhg Furlong; 4 Joe McCarthy, 5 Tadhg Beirne; 6 Peter O’Mahony (capt.), 7 Josh van der Flier, 8 Caelan Doris; 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 10 Jack Crowley; 11 James Lowe, 12 Bundee Aki, 13 Robbie Henshaw, 14 Calvin Nash; 15 Hugo Keenan.
Replacements: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 Ryan Baird, 20 Jack Conan; 21 Conor Murray, 22 Harry Byrne, 23 Garry Ringrose.
Ireland v Scotland
15:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Kick off is rapidly approaching in Dublin, with an expectant home crowd making their way in to the Aviva Stadium. Let’s take a closer look at the two teams…
The one thing Ireland must prove as they face Six Nations title decider
15:45 , Luke Baker
Ireland aren’t used to losing in the Six Nations. It had been so long since they endured defeat against one of their northern hemisphere rivals that they may even have forgotten what it feels like.
It would be easy to internalise the frustration of being beaten 23-22 by England last weekend and channel it in the wrong way, leading to a downward spiral. But they’re aware they can’t afford to be defined by the pain.
The one thing Ireland must prove as they face Six Nations title decider
Andy Farrell dismisses talk of Six Nations ‘anti-climax’ after Grand Slam bid ends
15:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Andy Farrell dismissed suggestions retaining the Guinness Six Nations title could now feel like an anti-climax after Ireland’s hyped quest for back-to-back Grand Slams was crushed.
The reigning champions looked well placed to make history by delivering consecutive tournament clean sweeps before suffering the last-gasp loss to title rivals England at Twickenham.
Andy Farrell dismisses talk of Six Nations ‘anti-climax’ after Grand Slam bid ends
Peter O’Mahony keen for Ireland to avoid ‘torture’ of waiting on England result
15:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Peter O’Mahony is determined to prevent the “torture” of another tense Guinness Six Nations finale but admits Ireland are aware of all possible permutations ahead of Saturday’s title decider against Scotland.
Andy Farrell’s men will retain the championship crown by avoiding defeat or claiming two bonus points on ‘Super Saturday’ in Dublin, while a single bonus point is also likely to be sufficient.
However, a pointless loss would leave Ireland sweating on the outcome of England’s clash with France in the final round-five fixture.
Peter O’Mahony keen for Ireland to avoid ‘torture’ of waiting on England result
Andy Farrell wary of Scotland’s Triple Crown incentive against Ireland
15:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Andy Farrell believes the chance to end a 34-year Triple Crown drought makes Scotland a major threat to Ireland’s Guinness Six Nations title bid.
Farrell’s reigning champions are on the cusp of retaining their crown and will do so on Saturday evening by avoiding defeat to the Scots or claiming two losing bonus points.
Gregor Townsend’s visitors, who have the slimmest of chances of snatching the title, will be desperate to bounce back in Dublin after being embarrassed by Italy last weekend.
Andy Farrell wary of Scotland’s Triple Crown incentive against Ireland
Scotland confirm plans for exciting summer tour
14:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Ireland will head to South Africa this summer for an eagerly-anticipated series, but Scotland’s July business looks like all sorts of fun, too. The SRU confirmed yesterday that Gregor Townsend’s side are headed for the Americas, four fixtures against four different sides sure to offer plenty of intrigue.
Jamison Gibson-Park: St Patrick’s Day party a big incentive for Ireland
14:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Jamison Gibson-Park feels the prospect of igniting another St Patrick’s weekend party in Dublin is a “massive” incentive to help Ireland swiftly move on from an agonising 23-22 defeat to England.
Andy Farrell’s men were on the verge of retaining the Guinness Six Nations title with a game to spare before being punished by Marcus Smith’s last-gasp drop goal at Twickenham.
The “gutting” late drama halted Ireland’s pursuit of consecutive Grand Slams but they will still win the championship if they beat Scotland today.
Jamison Gibson-Park: St Patrick’s Day party a big incentive for Ireland
Ireland v Scotland
14:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The first match of Super Saturday is just getting underway in Cardiff, with Warren Gatland’s Wales knowing victory against Italy is a must if they are to avoid a first wooden spoon since 2003. We’ve got LIVE coverage here – tuck in!
Wales v Italy LIVE: Latest Six Nations updates from Cardiff
Ireland v Scotland referee: Who is Six Nations official Matthew Carley?
14:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
It’ll be England’s Matthew Carley on the whistle for our Celtic clash this evening, an official now looking to kick on after a World Cup debut as a referee in the autumn. Here’s a little bit more about the whistler, who has two fellow Test refs to help him on the touchlines:
Ireland v Scotland referee: Who is Six Nations official Matthew Carley?
Ireland to face New Zealand and Australia during autumn series
13:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Ireland will host World Cup conquerors New Zealand and Joe Schmidt’s Australia during a mouth-watering four-match autumn series against southern hemisphere opposition.
The All Blacks, who beat Andy Farrell’s side 28-24 in the quarter-finals of last year’s global tournament in France, will visit Dublin on Friday, November 8.
Former Ireland boss Schmidt will bring the Wallabies to the Aviva Stadium for the series finale on Saturday, November 30.
Ireland to face New Zealand and Australia during autumn series
Andy Farrell focused on pitch and not online as Ireland face Six Nations decider
13:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Andy Farrell says Ireland have “battened down the hatches” in their quest to retain the Guinness Six Nations title after some players received online abuse in the wake of their last-gasp loss to England.
Ireland’s pursuit of successive Grand Slams ended following Marcus Smith’s dramatic drop goal in last weekend’s 23-22 Guinness Six Nations defeat at Twickenham.
Members of Farrell’s squad, including veteran scrum-half Conor Murray, were subsequently targeted on social media for their performances in south-west London.
Andy Farrell focused on pitch and not online as Ireland face Six Nations decider
Grant Gilchrist urges Scotland to embrace pressure and hit back from Italy shock
13:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Grant Gilchrist has told his Scotland colleagues to embrace the pressure of having to produce a positive response against Ireland as they bid to banish “a dark couple of days” following their damaging Guinness Six Nations defeat in Italy last weekend.
The Scots have been heavily criticised after losing 31-29 in Rome and squandering the chance to set up a title shootout with Andy Farrell’s side in Dublin.
Instead Gregor Townsend’s team are now chasing a face-saving result away to “arguably the best team in the world at the minute” in order to avoid potentially finishing as low as fifth in the championship.
Grant Gilchrist urges Scotland to embrace pressure and hit back from Italy shock
Women’s Six Nations may need ‘more competitive matches’ to grow, admits CEO
13:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Tom Harrison also gave his thoughts on the Women’s Six Nations, which begins next weekend with England again hot favourites to retain their title. Can anyone other than France challenge the Red Roses? Harrison admits that a more competitive tournament may be a must if it is to continue to grow.
Women’s Six Nations may need ‘more competitive matches’ to grow, admits CEO
Six Nations CEO reveals stance on bonus points after criticism
12:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle
There is a scenario today where Ireland secure another Six Nations crown despite having won fewer games than England. It is a quirk of the bonus point system that has drawn criticism from some quarters, but Six Nations chief executive Tom Harrison suggested earlier this week that they are here to stay.
Six Nations CEO reveals stance on bonus points after criticism
Ireland v Scotland
12:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
There are a few whispers emerging from Ireland that today may be Peter O’Mahony’s final international game, the Munsterman perhaps preparing to retire after this tournament. The Ireland captain had his family at the Aviva Stadium yesterday and, while unconfirmed, signing off with another title triumph at home would be a special way to finish.
Scotland will use Italy humbling as fuel in bid for Triple Crown – Rory Darge
12:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Scotland co-captain Rory Darge hopes channelling the dejection of a shock defeat to Italy can help topple title-chasing Ireland and clinch an overdue Triple Crown.
Gregor Townsend’s side run out in Dublin on Saturday seeking to salvage silverware from a Guinness Six Nations campaign which disastrously unravelled in Rome.
While Scotland retain an extremely slim chance of snatching the title, the consolation of defeating Ireland, England and Wales in a single championship for the first time since the 1990 Five Nations appears to be the realistic extent of their ambitions.
Scotland will use Italy humbling as fuel in bid for Triple Crown – Rory Darge
Six Nations 2024 schedule in full: Fixtures, kick-off times and results
12:01 , Luke Baker
The Six Nations title is still on the line on Super Saturday after a shock weekend of results in the penultimate round.
Here’s the full schedule for this year’s championship
Six Nations 2024: Fixtures, schedule, kick-off times and results
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