The 2026 Six Nations has its clubhouse leader. For the time being, until tonight’s crunch between France and England, the title is Ireland’s to lose after a breathless but deserved victory over Scotland in Dublin.
After six weeks of grind, the fate of the title will be decided in the final 80 minutes of the championship, under the Parisian stars. Ireland know they did all they could after that first-round loss to France, but it always looked as though, no matter the resurgence, the Paris performance might be fatal.
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Now, as much as it might pain them, the whole of Ireland looks to the Stade de France, hoping – praying – that England can do them a favour on Saturday night. France know, however, that victory of any kind in “Le Crunch” will see them lift the trophy in front of their own fans.
In a way, given France defeated Ireland in this year’s competition, there would be sporting justice to such an outcome. One can only imagine the scenes in the Irish capital on Saturday night, on Paddy’s weekend, were England able to do the Irish an enormous favour. Some Irish fans even descended into a chorus of Swing Low, Sweet Chariot as they filed out of the Aviva Stadium. Pigs will be flying next.
Even if France finish “Super Saturday” as champions, Ireland’s resurgence since that Paris loss has been remarkable. There were high hopes for Scotland in Dublin – where they have not won since 2010, and never at the Aviva Stadium – but after a tit-for-tat opening hour, Ireland emerged as comfortable victors.
Tommy O'Brien seals the Triple Crown! ☘️👑#ITVRugby | #GuinnessM6Npic.twitter.com/UBExyoan97
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) March 14, 2026
In the end, having kept Scotland at arm’s length even in the nervier passages of the match, the winning margin of 22 points was entirely fair. Josh van der Flier had one of his best games of this year’s Six Nations but Stuart McCloskey at inside centre simply could not have played better. If Ireland get their hands on that trophy, the Ulster centre must be player of the championship.
Tommy O’Brien scored a late double in Dublin but it was his first try, with five points between the scores, which was the decisive one. Ciarán Frawley, his match only a few minutes old, offloaded beautifully out of the tackle and O’Brien cut the most savage of lines to put daylight between the two sides with only 10 minutes to play. From then, Scotland’s race was run.
We're being spoiled rotten with attacking rugby! ☘️
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) March 14, 2026
Tommy O'Brien, the latest man to cross the white line... Ireland are closing in on the Triple Crown #ITVRugby | #GuinnessM6Npic.twitter.com/BXdUJFKhNb
From an Irish perspective, for now, it is very much a case of: Over to you, France.
Match details
Scores 5-0 Osborne try, 7-0 Crowley con, 7-5 Graham try, 7-7 Russell con, 12-7 Sheehan try, 14-7 Crowley con, 19-7 Baloucoune try, 19-12 Russell try, 19-14 Russell con, 24-14 Murray try, 26-14 Crowley con, 26-19 Darge try, 26-21 Russell con, 31-21 O’Brien try, 33-21 Crowley con, 36-21 Crowley pen, 41-21 O’Brien try, 43-21 Crowley con.
Ireland J Osborne; R Baloucoune (Frawley 65), G Ringrose (Aki 65), S McCloskey, T O’Brien; J Crowley, J Gibson-Park (Casey 77); T O’Toole (Milne 65), D Sheehan (Kelleher 65), T Furlong (Bealham 65); J McCarthy (Murray 65), T Beirne (Murray 50, Beirne 61); J Conan, J van der Flier (Timoney 53), C Doris (capt).
Scotland B Kinghorn; D Graham (Rowe 61, Jordan 68), H Jones, S Tuipulotu (capt), K Steyn; F Russell, B White (Horne 61); P Schoeman (Sutherland 68), G Turner (Ashman 17), Z Fagerson (Rae 68); M Williamson (Craig 61), G Gilchrist; M Fagerson, R Darge, J Dempsey (Bradbury 61).
Referee L Pearce.
Thanks for joining us
That brings our coverage of Ireland’s win over Scotland to an end. All eyes will now be on Paris and France’s clash with England this evening. If the defending champions fail to beat Steve Borthwick’s men, the trophy will be lifted in Dublin.
04:28pmIreland ‘deserved winners’, admits Tuipulotu
Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu on ITV: “We managed to fight back in the second half but we let them hit back straight away, fully credit to them, they are deserved winners today.
“I’m proud of my group massively, the way he stuck to it after a tough start to the championship. It was difficult but we want to be in the middle lifting the Triple Crown.
“We have to build up and take a step forward. It’s difficult to put my finger on now because it’s been an emotional tournament, but all I can say is credit to them, and I’m super proud of my boys.”
04:25pmBaloucoune on rising star award
After being named the Six Nations’ rising star, Robert Baloucoune said: “It’s probably something I didn’t think would happen. At 28 I think I’m a bit old to be getting named a rising star. You have to put your best foot forward and take your opportunity.”
04:24pmIreland ‘should be proud’, says O’Driscoll
Speaking on ITV, former Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll said: “They’ll be very pleased, I thought huge intensity, defensively incredibly sound, they scored some sensational tries.
“I thought it was one [Doris’s] best ever games in an Irish shirt, I thought he was outstanding, along with Beirne and Crowley.
“They should be very pleased with themselves, now we wait and see whether England can do us a favour. They should be very proud considering how the tournament started.”
04:20pm‘Rare for an Irishman to be cheering England on’, says Doris
Ireland captain Caelen Dorris has told ITV: “We asked for a big performance from some of our big-match players, they stood up.
“The likes of Beirne were unbelievable, some of the turnovers he got at crucial moments. We saw what [Scotland’s] attack was capable of last week, but our defence stood up.
“There were some calm heads there, it helped that we had scoreboard pressure form a fast start, it felt composed out there.
“It’s a rare day for an Irish man to be cheering [England] on, but we’ve controlled what we can control and we’ll be cheering them on later on.”
04:13pmWatch: O’Brien seals victory
04:11pmIreland score their final try of the championship! And they top the table!#GuinnessM6N#Since1883pic.twitter.com/aW1L8zTeNW
— Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) March 14, 2026
Ireland lift Triple Crown trophy
Ireland have collected their Triple Crown trophy, with Doris lifting it above his head before his teammates take their turns to have a moment with the silverware.
04:06pmIreland continue dominance of fixture
Ireland have won their last 12 matches against Scotland, breaking the record of consecutive wins in this fixture.
They have also equalled a record run of nine consecutive wins in the Six Nations in this fixture.
As for Scotland, their 16-year wait for a win in Dublin continues, while they have not beaten them at all since 2017.
04:02pmIreland top of the table
The victory takes Ireland up 19 points, three points clear of France and Scotland, who will finish the tournament in third.
If France fail to beat England in Paris this evening, the title will go to Andy Farrell’s men.
03:59pmFull time: Ireland 43 Scotland 21
Crowley’s conversion is the final moment of this match as Ireland claim a thoroughly-deserved victory and the Triple Crown.
03:58pmTRY! O’Brien seals victory with second try of the day
Ireland 43 Scotland 21 (O’Brien) Tuipulotu spills the ball as Scotland look to pass their way out of their own half.
McCloskey is there to offload the ball to O’Brien, who has the pace to cross in the corner.
Crowley makes the conversion and that seals a fabulous victory!
03:56pm80 mins: Ireland 36 Scotland 21
Ireland are seeing out these final few minutes really effectively, with a celebratory atmosphere now inside the Aviva.
03:54pm77 mins: Ireland 36 Scotland 21
Scotland are not giving up, coming at Ireland once again and driving to within five metres of the line.
The hosts keep them at that distance for a number of phases before Scotland look to up the pace as they work it out wide.
But Ireland win the penalty at the breakdown and there is a huge cheer inside the Aviva Stadium. They know they have this tie wrapped up.
03:51pmPenalty! Crowley extends Ireland’s lead to 15 points
Ireland 36 Scotland 21 (Crowley) Steyn is penalised as he competes in the air with Crowley after a 60 metre chase and Ireland can find touch just outside the Scottish 22 down their right.
Ireland make up the ground following the line-out to go 10 metres short of the line before Scotland are penalised for not moving away at the breakdown.
The home side opt to kick for the posts and it’s there from Crowley, taking his side over two scores clear of Scotland.
03:46pmTRY! O’Brien restores Ireland’s 12-point cushion
Ireland 33 Scotland 21 (O’Brien) Aki has his first bright moment since coming on as he powerfully carries his side into the Scottish 22.
Gibson-Park quickly collects the ball at the breakdown before working it on to Osborne, who shifts it onto O’Brien, and the wing makes the line-breaking run to cross for a fifth Irish try.
Crowley makes the kick and Ireland once again create some breathing room.
03:44pm67 mins: Ireland 26 Scotland 21
Ireland are making a host of changes now, with Bundee Aki among the players coming on following his suspension, and he gets a big cheer from the home fans.
Kinghorn collects a box-kick from Gibson-Park and is appealing for a foul from Osborne but nothing is given. Ireland then charge down Horne’s kick, but Russell gathers and he can clear.
03:39pm64 mins: Ireland 26 Scotland 21
Jones spills it from the restart, presenting Ireland a wonderful opportunity to land another instant blow.
But after working the ball out to the right, the hosts are penalised with Kinghorn forcing the turnover. It will be a scrum for Scotland, inside their 22.
03:37pm62 mins: Ireland 26 Scotland 21
That is another fabulous Scotland try - admittedly with a hideous forward pass much earlier in the move. But the visitors strike back, are one try away from a bonus point of their own, and the breathless, tit-for-tat nature of this match continues.
03:37pmTRY! The scoring continues as Darge crosses for visitors
Ireland 26 Scotland 21 (Darge) It’s now Scotland’s turn once again to mount a well-worked attack, with carries from Steyn and Graham getting them into the Irish 22.
After some sensational, pin-point passing from the visitors in close-quarters, it’s eventually Darge who makes the line-breaking run to score his side’s third try of the day.
Russell makes the conversion once again and we are back to a five-point game. What a wonderful match!
03:34pm59 mins: Ireland 26 Scotland 14
An immediate reply from Ireland - and that is the bonus point wrapped up. The hosts will want another score, though, to push them beyond a two-try lead.
03:33pmTRY! Ireland restore advantage through Murray
Ireland 26 Scotland 14 (Murray) Ireland are looking for the instant response and are quickly into the Scottish 22.
The hosts pile on a sustained attack, approaching 20 attacking phases as they close in on the line, before substitute Murray collects the ball from the ruck and crosses near the posts, securing the four-try bonus point.
The conversion is easy for Crowley and the advantage is back up to 12 points.
03:30pm55 mins: Ireland 19 Scotland 14
I did say that Ireland would not be comfortable with a 12-point lead. A try from Finn Russell, in unconventional circumstances for him, means that the deficit is now five for Scotland and the game is very much back in the balance.
03:29pmTRY! Russell darts for the line to reduce Scotland’s deficit
Ireland 19 Scotland 14 (Russell) Scotland tap and go following the Irish offside, and are now pushing for the line, just five metres short.
The ball is slowly shifted out towards the right and after 12 phases, it’s Russell who makes the decisive dart for the line.
Russell is then told by the referee to move the ball further out wide before the conversion attempt, but he still makes it. Excellent composure from the fly-half.
The deficit is down to five!
03:25pm51 mins: Ireland 19 Scotland 7
Russell’s kick finds touch high up down Scotland’s left and they are driving well following the line-out. The ball squirms loose but play is brought back for an Irish offside.
There will be a pause before play resumes with Beirne struggling with a nasty cut. He will make way for Murray to receive treatment.
03:23pm50 mins: Ireland 19 Scotland 7
Scotland gather the long kick from Ireland and Russell plays a nicely-timed pass out to Graham, who shows sensational feet to skip past three Irish defenders.
As Scotland drive towards Ireland’s 22, Doris is penalised for a high tackle and it will be a penalty for the visitors but no more.
03:20pm47 mins: Ireland 19 Scotland 7
Scotland build well and as their attacking phases reach double figures, they edge towards the Irish 22.
But Beirne produces a crucial turnover, with Fagerson isolated, and Ireland can kick clear into touch.
03:19pm46 mins: Ireland 19 Scotland 7
Russell’s kick finds touch at around halfway, but the visitors are forced back into their own half following their line-out.
They then opt to kick and an excellent chase from Graham allows them to keep possession in Ireland’s half, with the wing tapping the ball back to Dempsey.
03:17pm44 mins: Ireland 19 Scotland 7
A knock-on from Scotland in their own half gives Ireland an attacking scrum, down the home side’s right flank.
A swift move inside then ends with Ireland spilling it, before a tackle off the ball from McCloskey gives Scotland the penalty.
03:14pm41 mins: Ireland 19 Scotland 7
We are back underway at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, with Russell kicking the second half off for Scotland, who are going from left to right now as they look to produce a comeback.
03:13pmFast start from Ireland
Speaking on ITV, former Ireland captain Brian O’Driscol said there has been “brilliant intensity from Ireland, right from the off.”
03:11pmTough test for Scotland in second half
Ireland are unbeaten in their last 30 Six Nations matches at home when leading at half-time.
03:09pmWatch: Baloucoune extends lead
03:08pmUnbelievable finish out wide from Ireland 😎#GuinnessM6N#Since1883pic.twitter.com/87suLyD9A5
— Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) March 14, 2026
As it stands
Ireland have gone to the top of the table, as things stand, currently on 18 points and two points clear of France and Scotland.
Andy Farrell’s side are just one try short of the four-try bonus point in this match, which would take them onto 19 points.
03:04pmIreland the better side and now in the driving seat
As things stand, Ireland, undoubtedly the better side in the first half, sit atop the Six Nations table but the hosts - and, Scotland, too, should they mount an improbable comeback - will be desperate for that four-try bonus point to put the pressure on France later.
Ireland might have a 12-point lead, too, but they will not feel entirely comfortable against a Scotland side which can strike from virtually anywhere, with the click of the fingers. Ireland are in the driving seat, but there is still work to do.
02:59pmHalf-time: Ireland 19 Scotland 7
Ireland are penalised at the scrum and Scotland take it quickly, but the move breaks down, with Jones’ offload not finding a blue shirt before Tuipulotu knocks it on as he looks to retrieve the loose ball.
The subsequent Irish attack also breaks down shortly after and the half-time whistle is blown.
02:57pm40 mins: Ireland 19 Scotland 7
Ashman, who replaced Turner in this first half, is down and receiving treatment. He then gets back to his feet and it looks he may be okay to continue, to Townsend’s relief.
Moments later, Baloucoune claims the Scottish clearance but he then knocks it on at the breakdown and the visitors will have the scrum, just inside their half.
02:54pm38 mins: Ireland 19 Scotland 7
Gilchrist is guilty of a deliberate knock-on in Ireland’s half as Furlong releases a pass and it will be an Irish penalty but nothing more.
McCloskey drives well following the home side’s line-out and they are attacking with promise once again, but Crowley’s grubber-kick is slightly heavy and it runs into touch.
02:53pm36 mins: Ireland 19 Scotland 7
Baloucoune spills the ball following Ireland’s scrum and Graham gets a foot in, hacking the ball into the home side’s half.
Kinghorn chases well and can get his toe to the ball before Baloucoune can jump on it but Van der Flier recovers well to latch onto the loose ball.
02:50pm34 mins: Ireland 19 Scotland 7
Scotland come inside following the line-out but Ireland are so effective at the breakdown once again, with Beirne and Furlong working well to force the turnover this time.
A few moments later and Scotland are looking to pass their way out of trouble inside their half but it goes forward from Dempsey under pressure and Ireland will have the attacking scrum.
02:46pm31 mins: Ireland 19 Scotland 7
That is a marvellous turnover from loosehead Tom O’Toole on his own line, just as Ireland looked like they might be creaking. Another of the Ulster contingent stepping up.
02:46pm31 mins: Ireland 19 Scotland 7
It’s a good kick from Gibson-Park following the scrum, finding touch down Ireland’s left and easing the pressure on his side.
Russell then sends a dangerous kick into the Irish 22 and Osborne gets unlucky, with the bounce of the ball sending it into his foot and it’s out for a Scottish line-out.
02:44pm28 mins: Ireland 19 Scotland 7
Darge does well to force the turnover at the breakdown, with Van der Flier penalised, and Scotland opt to kick for the corner down their right.
But it’s excellent work from Sheehan and O’Toole following the line-out to make the turnover and Ireland will have the scrum in front of their line. Townsend has his hands on his head as the opportunity goes by.
02:40pm26 mins: Ireland 19 Scotland 7
Ireland do well to claim possession after chasing their clearance and after a number of strong phases they are into the Scottish 22.
But with the attack building in momentum, the hosts are penalised for obstruction. Sheehan does excellently to prevent Scotland’s kick going into touch, though.
02:37pm22 mins: Ireland 19 Scotland 7
A phenomenal finish from Rob Baloucoune but Stuart McCloskey take a bow; that might be the pass of the championship. Ulster team-mates working in tandem and Ireland now have a cushion.
02:35pmTRY! Baloucoune shows great pace to extend Ireland’s lead
Ireland 19 Scotland 7 (Baloucoune) Play resumes with an Irish scrum down their left, just short of Scotland’s 22.
The ball is zipped out to Baloucoune on the home side’s right with a wonderful pass from McCloskey and he has acres ahead of him to run into.
Graham does get across to make a last-ditch challenge but the wing has the pace and momentum to make it over the line.
The conversion is missed by Crowley from out wide.
02:32pmUnbelievable finish out wide from Ireland 😎#GuinnessM6N#Since1883pic.twitter.com/87suLyD9A5
— Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) March 14, 2026
18 mins: Ireland 14 Scotland 7
McCarthey forces a turnover at the maul following the Scottish line-out and the home side will have a scrum in a promising position, down their left.
The visitors are then penalised at the scrum and Gibson-Park takes it quickly.
McCarthey drives his team just short of the 22 but the play is paused with Turner injured and “wobbling all over the place”, according to the referee. He will be going off for a HIA, with Ashman coming on.
It was a collision with Turner’s own teammate, Zander Fagerson, that caused the issue.
02:29pm16 mins: Ireland 14 Scotland 7
Ireland are then penalised following the Scottish restart and it’s the visitors’ turn to kick for the corner down their left flank, with Russell’s kick an accurate one.
Townsend’s side are quickly pushing for the line, just a couple of metres short as they shift over towards their right and then back to their left.
The ball is worked back to Russell, who spills it under pressure from McCloskey before Crowley produces a wonderful clearance, with his kick dribbling into touch in the Scottish half.
02:26pm13 mins: Ireland 14 Scotland 7
If this carries on I am not going to have any pages left in my notebook.
02:25pmVideoTRY! Sheehan instantly restores Ireland’s lead
Ireland 14 Scotland 7 (Sheehan) Ireland earn a penalty soon after the restart and Crowley sends his kick right into the corner down the hosts’ left flank.
They maul powerfully for the line before Sheehan collects the ball, peels around the back and darts over the line.
TEN minutes in - THREE tries scored 💥
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) March 14, 2026
Dan Sheehan peels off a maul and crashes over ☘️#ITVRugby | #GuinnessM6Npic.twitter.com/k34FY9U0IF
Crowley’s conversion bends just inside the posts and the lead is back up to seven. What a start to this match!
02:22pm10 mins: Ireland 7 Scotland 7
Wow again! What a match this is already. Not even 10 minutes in, and a try for each side. The perfect Scottish riposte. And what a riposte it was, too; poise, patience and precision. Finn Russell pulling the strings, Pierre Schoeman and Sione Tuipulotu bludgeoning holes, and Darcy Graham with the finish. Game on.
02:22pmVideoTRY! Graham rounds off well-worked Scottish move to draw visitors level
Ireland 7 Scotland 7 (Graham) Scotland look for the instant response and after several phases they manage to breach the Irish 22.
Russell fizzes the ball out to Turner, who can drive down the left flank to take the visitors within five metres. The ball is shifted back inside and a powerful drive from Schoeman takes his side a couple of metres short.
Townsend’s men then work it out to the right flank with some wonderfully precise passing and Graham crosses in the corner.
Scotland hit back immediately
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) March 14, 2026
Wonderful hands and running combine to put Darcy Graham in the corner pic.twitter.com/4uEi1KY8kT
Russell makes the conversion from out wide and Scotland are back on level terms.
02:18pm6 mins: Ireland 7 Scotland 0
Wow. I’m not sure that could have been a worse start for Scotland; equally, other than one butchered overlap from Jack Crowley, I’m not sure that that could have been a better opening four minutes for Ireland, either. Thrilling.
02:17pmVideoTRY! Osborne crosses to give Ireland perfect start
Ireland 7 Scotland 0 (Osborne) Fagerson is penalised at the Scottish scrum and Ireland can kick for the corner down their right flank.
The ball is worked inside from the line-out and after a strong drive takes them just short of the line, it’s shifted on to Osborne who crosses with ease under the post.
A ferocious start from Ireland
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) March 14, 2026
The boys in the green are on the board. Osbourne goes under the posts for his fifth try of the tournament pic.twitter.com/dKdO2zrmVJ
The conversion is an easy one and it’s the perfect start for the hosts.
02:15pm3 mins: Ireland 0 Scotland 0
After a fast start from Ireland, Crowley makes a promising line-breaking run to get into the Scottish 22 but the visitors turn it over soon after and manage to clear.
A knock-on is then called against the hosts so it will be a scrum for Scotland just outside their 22.
02:12pm1 min: Ireland 0 Scotland 0
Here we go! We are underway in Dublin, with Ireland and Crowley kicking things off, going from left to right in this opening period.
02:10pmKick-off next
We have had passionate renditions of each of the national anthems and are now just a couple of moments away from kick-off here in Dublin.
02:07pmStandings heading into ‘Super Saturday’
02:04pmTeams on the pitch
The teams have emerged onto the pitch at the Aviva Stadium to a huge roar. Catherine Connolly, the Ireland president, is now being presented to the players ahead of kick-off. Then it will be time for the national anthems, with Scotland up first.
Catherine Connolly meets the players before kick-off - Charles McQuillan/Getty Images02:01pmKick-off approaching
The teams have gone through their final preparations and we are now less than 10 minutes away from kick-off in this huge clash in Dublin.
Sione Tuipulotu of Scotland - Evan Treacy/Getty Images01:59pm‘Up to us to make sure we attack the game’, says Farrell
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell speaking on ITV this afternoon: “We’re down to the last day and three sides can win it so it is up to us in this privilege position to make sure we attack the game.
“You’ve got to use that [experience] and what it takes to win big games like that, making sure all the emotions are in tact and make sure there is a lot of composure so we can put the game we want to out on the field when it matters.
“We have to show them the respect they deserve because they are a fantastic side so it is more of the same because our preparation has been that way and we have to deliver on the field today.”
01:58pm‘Fast start important’, says Doris
Ireland captain Caelan Doris has emphasised this week the importance of a fast start to this afternoon’s game.
“There’s no second chance here,” said Doris. “It’s down to how we start the game, a fast start is going to be important again. [It’s about] taking it moment by moment and really attacking the game and understanding the win is the most important thing.
“There are bonus points and different permutations that come into it, but how we start is going to be important.”
He added: “There’s obviously a Triple Crown at stake against our good old rivals Scotland, so there’s a lot at stake and with that comes nerves and excitement.
“You saw last week the variety in attacking threats. They scored some tries off first-phase line-outs, they played up the middle, pick and goes, one-pass plays.
“They’re capable of playing wide to wide with a lot of depth, Finn Russell changes direction. It’s a varied attacking game and when they get it right it’s very hard to stop.”
“I think there’s been some good progression through the tournament and there’s a good feeling in the camp.
“It [the Triple Crown] would further belief and I think it’d be something we’d look back on with positive feelings.”
Ireland’s Caelan Doris during a press conference - Brian Lawless/PA01:55pm‘Definitely belief’ in Scottish side, says Tuipulotu
Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu said “there is belief definitely” that his side can end their run of defeats against Ireland.
“Maybe coming to the Aviva to play Ireland in the past it’s seemed a little bit more like hope and that’s a credit to them as well as what type of team they are,” he said.
“But we have been building this belief. You’ve got to act on your belief as well. There’s no point in you just believing and then get out there and don’t act on it.
“Being coached by Faz (Andy Farrell) in the summer gave me a lot of perspective on how his teams are run and why they’ve been so successful over the last 10 years.
“It’s a massive challenge for us, but I’m a believer that all things happen for a reason. There’s a reason Ireland are the last game for us because it’s probably the toughest challenge and has been the toughest challenge for us for the last 10 years.
“It’s one we’re ready for and we’re really excited for and I just can’t wait to get out there and have fun with my friends on Saturday.”
01:53pmIndividual milestone on the cards for Russell
Scotland fly-half Finn Russell is six points away from reaching 500 for his country, a feat achieved only by Chris Paterson, Greig Laidlaw, and Gavin Hastings before him in the men’s game.
01:51pm🪄 Finn Russell is over the line for Scotland 😮💨#GuinnessM6N#Since1883pic.twitter.com/81NkXzlNj1
— Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) February 21, 2026
Sheehan: Two hungry teams will go at it today
Ireland hooker Dan Sheehan speaking on ITV this afternoon: “It’s brilliant to have the opportunity to win the Triple Crown on the last day and two hungry teams will go at it today.
“Scotland have been unbelievable in the last few weeks so we need to make sure we’re at our best.
“I think it will be about defence today they are very good side that get to space quickly and are able to do it very well so we need to cover that space and get our attack right as well.”
01:49pmIreland ‘desperate’ for ‘special’ Triple Crown, says Farrell
Asked about a potential title win today, Ireland head coach Andy Farrell said: “Of course you would like to dream like that, but the rest is out of our hands.
“But something is in our hands and we will focus on our performance, first and foremost. It would be nice to win something that is pretty special for us and that’s the Triple Crown.
“It’s been hard to come by over the years when playing for Ireland, so we’re desperate to get across that.”
Andy Farrell, head coach of Ireland - Charles McQuillan/Getty Images01:47pmAt stake for Scotland
Scotland are aiming for a first win in Dublin since 2010 and only their second ever away victory against Ireland in the Six Nations era.
They have lost against Ireland in each of their last 11 meetings, with their last victory coming in 2017. Another Irish victory would break the record of consecutive wins in this fixture.
If they manage to win, Scotland will secure the Triple Crown for the first time since 1990, and it would keep them in contention for a first Six Nations title, having last won the Five Nations in 1999.
01:45pmScotland ‘not talked about’ permutations, says Townsend
Scotland Head coach Gregor Townsend insisted this week that his squad are “fresh” and “loving playing together”, but said his side have “not talked about” the permutations this week.
“It’s the final opportunity for this group to go out and play. It’s out of our hands, really. We can only do a certain amount and that’s good in a way,” he said.
“It’s a game against an opponent that’s had the upper hand on us for years. They’ve got a brilliant record at home.
“It’s a challenge, but an opportunity for us to go and deliver an even better performance than we did last week.”
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend - Jane Barlow/PA01:41pmSix Nations permutations: Who can win the title on final day
The Six Nations is poised for a thrilling finale on “Super Saturday” with three teams able to claim the championship title.
Scotland, Ireland and France could all end the day as champions, so click here to read Telegraph Sport’s breakdown of how it could play out for each of those teams.
01:39pmThose teams in full
Ireland: Osborne; Baloucoune, Ringrose, McCloskey, O’Brien; Crowley, Gibson-Park; O’Toole, Sheehan, Furlong, McCarthy, Beirne, Conan, Van der Flier, Doris (capt).
Replacements: Kelleher, Milne, Bealham, Murray, Timoney, Casey, Frawley, Aki.
Scotland: Kinghorn; Graham, Jones, Tuipulotu (capt), Steyn; Russell, White; Schoeman, Turner, Z Fagerson, Williamson, Gilchrist, M Fagerson, Darge, Dempsey.
Replacements: Ashman, Sutherland, Rae, Craig, Bradbury, Horne, Rowe, Jordan.
01:37pmScotland team news - Townsend makes three changes
Gregor Townsend has made three changes to his Scotland side following their sensational win over France at Murrayfield last weekend.
Zander Fagerson returns to the starting XV as Max Williamson and Grant Gilchrist form a new-look second row.
01:36pmA reminder of your Scotland team to face Ireland today ☘️🏴#AsOne | #GuinnessM6Npic.twitter.com/hvLOc95XTV
— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) March 14, 2026
Ireland team news - four changes from Wales win
Ireland lock James Ryan has been ruled out of this afternoon’s clash as head coach Andy Farrell makes four changes from the win over Wales.
Joe McCarthy returns to the line-up to partner Tadhg Beirne in the second row, Dan Sheehan and Josh van der Flier also come into the pack, while Tommy O’Brien starts on the left wing in the only backline change.
01:34pmToday's team. 👊 pic.twitter.com/sFPtkyOXlC
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) March 14, 2026
Irish fans full of confidence
As I ambled over to the Aviva Stadium, I popped into Smyth’s on Haddington Road, one of Dublin’s great rugby pubs. With a pint of Guinness (zero) in hand, soaking up some of Irish capital’s surprising pre-match sunshine, a group of Ireland fans, clad in emerald green, clinked glasses across the bar from me. “Sláinte, and commiserations Scotland,” one of them proclaimed, which offers an emphatic glimpse into the psyche of the home fans today.
Despite Scotland’s title ambitions - a trophy for them is actually more likely, in a way, than for Ireland - the Dublin crowd believe that the result today is a foregone conclusion. Of course, given Scotland’s record in Ireland - they have not won in Dublin since 2010 and they have never won at the Aviva Stadium - the logic of the Irish fans may well be reasonable. Me? I’m not so sure...
01:31pmScotland and Ireland target title on Super Saturday
Good afternoon and welcome to Telegraph Sport’s live coverage of Ireland vs Scotland from the final round of this year’s Six Nations at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, with both teams still in contention for the title.
Heading into ‘Super Saturday’, France are top of the pile on 16 points, but they lead Scotland on points difference alone after being stunned by Gregor Townsend’s side at Murrayfield last weekend.
It is an extremely healthy points-difference advantage for Fabien Gaelthje’s side, though, 58 points better off than Scotland in that respect, which could prove decisive.
Ireland, meanwhile, start the afternoon in third place, but only two points adrift of the two pace-setters, with a points difference only marginally worse than their opponents this afternoon.
With France hosting an out-of-sorts England this evening, the title cannot be clinched by full time in Dublin, but the two teams can certainly put some pressure on the defending champions.
If Scotland can beat Ireland - for the first time since 2017 - and France fail to beat England, the Scots will clinch a first-ever Six Nations title, while a bonus-point win would be enough for Townsend’s men if France win, but without a bonus point.
A 12th successive victory for Andy Farrell’s side against Scotland would almost certainly take them to the top of the standings by full time, and if France then fail to win in Paris, the title could well be going their way.
However, there is the remarkable scenario in which Ireland could win this afternoon without a bonus point, and France could still retain their title with defeat - and one fewer win than Ireland - should they claim two losing bonus points in the process.
Both Ireland and Scotland have beaten England and Wales so far this campaign, meaning the Triple Crown title is also up for grabs, with Scotland hoping for their first since 1990.
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