The final day of the Six Nations Tournament kicked off with a decisive clash: Ireland and Scotland faced off at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, and one thing was clear - only the winner would keep their hopes of lifting the trophy alive.
Playing at home, the Greens were determined not to let the opportunity slip.
They pushed into Scottish territory, earned a penalty lineout, and Jamie Osborne finished the move between the posts (3rd minute). However, it wasn’t enough to throw Scotland off their game plan: superb team rugby, a perfect mix of forwards and backs, and Darcy Graham was released down the wing in the eighth minute. The match started at a furious pace.
Things heated up even more when Dan Sheehan broke free from a maul to power over the line (11th minute). This time, Scotland couldn’t respond immediately and were overwhelmed by Irish attacks. One of those surges saw Robert Baloucoune score a superb try in the corner, stretching the hosts' lead.
The tempo finally slowed, with Scotland struggling to catch their breath. The Thistle’s level of play dropped, and they seemed to hit their limits. Still, they managed not to collapse, reaching half-time with a deficit of 19-7. Enough to keep hopes of a comeback alive.
Ireland finishes strong
Scotland came out fired up, trying to settle in the Irish half and launching a relentless assault on the gain line. After a fierce spell of one-pass rugby, Finn Russell broke through and finally got his side back in the game (52nd minute). Ireland responded in kind, wearing down the Scottish defence until Darragh Murray found a gap (57th minute).
The match became electrifying: after a burst from Kyle Steyn, Scotland launched another sweeping attack, moved the ball across the pitch, and the forwards kept it alive for Rory Darge to close the gap again (61st minute). With just five points separating the teams and twenty minutes to go, victory was still within reach.
But it was Ireland who struck what was likely the decisive blow against the Scots. A move that summed up the Greens - solid, flawless at the breakdown - finished by Tommy O'Brien, who timed his run perfectly on the gain line (68th minute). The Irish immediately capitalised on their momentum, pinned Scotland back, and earned and converted the penalty that sealed the match.
Scotland showed pride, returning to batter the Irish line in search of at least a bonus point, but even that eluded them: Tommy O'Brien hammered the final nail in Scotland’s coffin with a last try in the corner.
With a final result of 43-21, Ireland won the battle and moved to the top of the Six Nations table for now, as well as retaining the Triple Crown.
France, who face England later on Saturday, must be flawless if they want to lift the trophy, which could still end up in Dublin.