Ireland have claimed their fourth Triple Crown in the last five years after a commanding 43-21 bonus-point triumph over Scotland at a raucous Aviva Stadium.
Andy Farrell’s side pulled clear in a thrilling Dublin showdown that ended Scotland’s hopes of silverware and kept Irish championship dreams very much alive.
The victory moves Ireland three points ahead of defending champions France, who take on England in Paris later this evening.
It’s been a 12th consecutive defeat for Scotland against their Irish rivals, denying Gregor Townsend’s men what would have been a first Triple Crown since 1990.
Ireland have won the Triple Crown but their sights are set much higher
|
PA
The opening 20 minutes proved absolutely breathless, with Jamie Osborne and Scotland’s Darcy Graham exchanging early tries before Dan Sheehan and Robert Baloucoune crossed to give Ireland a 19-7 advantage at the break.
Scotland, fresh from their stunning 50-40 demolition of France last week, refused to go quietly.
Finn Russell and Rory Darge both touched down to raise hopes of a first Dublin victory since 2010.
But Ireland had other ideas. Debutant Darragh Murray grabbed the crucial bonus-point score, Jack Crowley slotted a penalty, and Tommy O’Brien sealed the deal with two late tries – the second coming with just 20 seconds left on the clock.
Captain Caelan Doris was full of praise for his experienced teammates after the victory.
“We asked for a big performance from some of our senior players, our big-match players, and they stood up. Tadhg Beirne was unbelievable,” he told ITV Sport.
🗣️ “The likes of Tadhg Beirne, I thought, were UNBELIEVABLE.”
Caelan Doris speaks to Gabriel Clarke after Ireland’s emphatic win over Scotland ☘️#ITVRugby | #GuinnessM6N | @gabrielclarke05 pic.twitter.com/GuA956RJs7
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) March 14, 2026
The skipper acknowledged Scotland’s attacking prowess, having witnessed their explosive display against France the previous week.
“We saw what Scotland’s attack was capable of last week and we knew it was going to come again. It came in waves but there were big moments to keep them out,” Doris explained.
He credited calm heads and early scoreboard pressure for keeping Ireland in control throughout.
Scotland threatened to claim their first win on Irish soil since 2010
|
PA
Ireland now face an anxious wait as they cheer on an unlikely ally. The France versus England clash kicks off at 20:10 GMT, with an English victory enough to hand the Six Nations title to Farrell’s men.
“It is a rare day to be cheering on England,” Doris admitted with a smile. “We feel we have done what we can control.”
Should France and England draw, with Les Blues picking up a bonus point for four or more tries, the title would head to Paris on points difference.
Ireland were just too strong for Scotland in a pulsating match
|
PA
For Scotland, the wait for championship glory now stretches into 2027, their last title coming back in 1999.
