Andy Farrell has rotated his squad like never before in his seventh Six Nations campaign, with a nod toward the more congested format and the next World Cup. Yet with more on the line in this Saturday’s Triple Crown shoot-out against Scotland at the Aviva Stadium (kick-off 2.10pm), one has the distinct impression that the … Read more
Allegations of Scotland’s misplaced bullishness in advance of Ireland matches since 2018 are a bit of a misnomer, the comments of Darcy Graham this week, and Blair Kinghorn before the 2023 World Cup clash at the Stade de France notwithstanding. You take umbrage where you can find it as O’Mahony did after the game last … Read more
Ireland team announcement at 2pm Key reads: Join The Irish Times Rugby WhatsApp channel to stay up to date with all the latest Six Nations news, and get The Irish Times rugby coverage sent direct to your inbox by signing up to Gerry Thornley’s Counter Ruck newsletter. Scotland have gone for a new-look secondrow in … Read more
Andy Farrell is expected to largely revert to the team which pitched up in Twickenham for Ireland’s record-breaking 42-21 win in round three when the side to face Scotland in Saturday’s eagerly awaited Triple Crown shoot-out is announced around 2pm on Thursday. Two players from that starting XV are sidelined, namely James Lowe, who suffered … Read more
Scotland’s top try scorer Darcy Graham believes his side can beat Ireland away on Saturday to take rugby’s Triple Crown and give themselves a chance of a first Six Nations success. Scotland travel to Dublin for their last fixture in this year’s competition, sharing top spot in the standings with France, who host England in … Read more
When will we ever learn? As in learn not to rush to judgment after just one round. Recall way back in time – well, a mere four weeks ago – when all three Celtic nations lost on the opening day for the first time since 2000. Warnings followed about the championship being on the road … Read more
“And hero on hero, who at honour’s proud call, for freedom their lifeblood let fall.” For the second match on the trot, Wales have been true to their passionate anthem, Land of My Fathers. From time to time in life, good fortune has found me on the pitch in Cardiff, where a choir of tens … Read more
Jeremy Loughman has been ruled out of Ireland’s Six Nations clash against Scotland at a sold-out Aviva Stadium on Saturday (Kick-off 2.10pm). There are no fresh injury concerns arising from the 27-17 win over Wales and with Loughman again sidelined, the likelihood is that Tom O’Toole will further his education as a loosehead option, while the Connacht … Read more
A classic Six Nations has the finale it deserves, if not quite the one many anticipated. Scotland’s stunning 50-40 win over France at Murrayfield on Saturday has made their clash with Ireland at the Aviva Stadium next Saturday (kick-off 2.10pm) the most meaningful between the two countries in Six Nations history. Not since Scotland won … Read more
Everyone together now – one, two three: ‘Thank you Scotland.’ In denying France the bonus-point win they needed to claim the Six Nations title with a round remaining, Scotland have forced the championship to a final-round showdown, while also ending Les Bleus’ Grand Slam push. Scotland’s 50-40 victory at Murrayfield on Saturday afternoon means they … Read more