Ireland v Scotland LIVE: Result and reaction as Ireland win 2024 Six Nations title
Ireland 17-13 Scotland: Andy Farrell’s men edge to victory in Dublin to seal the 2024 Six Nations title
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 0-0 Scotland, 4 mins
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
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
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
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
Suitably rousing renditions and kick-off is imminent. Ireland just need to avoid defeat to become back-to-back Six Nations champs
The one thing Ireland must prove as they face Six Nations title decider
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
After disappointment against England for the boys in green last week, Farrell’s men will be looking to bounce back and secure back-to-back Six Nations by beating Scotland, who may find redeeming themselves from defeat against Italy that little bit tougher
Six Nations title permutations
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?
Ireland’s grand slam hopes are over but the Six Nations title remains up for grabs this weekend
BREAKING: Late change to Ireland team
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.
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