Ireland beat Scotland 43-21 in the Guinness Six Nations at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday to seal the Triple Crown.
Andy Farrell’s men scored a total of six tries, with Jack Crowley converting five, as well as a penalty, as the hosts secured a 73rd victory over neighbors Celtic and their 11th Triple Crown.
At the end of the match, Ireland were top of the Guinness Six Nations rankings, but with more matches to come later today, France must still be favorites to be crowned Guinness Six Nations champions in 2026.
Ireland set the tone from the start
Ireland started the match at a furious pace and were on the scoreboard within 4 minutes thanks to Jamie Osborne. As the hosts put pressure on the Scottish defense which was anchored on their own line, the Irish full-back drew a superb line to land under the posts.
Jack Crowley, with his first kick on goal, converted a relatively standard effort to give Andy Farrell’s side a 7-0 lead.
𝐓𝐑𝐘! Jamie Osborne! Ireland go quickly from the top after the penalty, neat passes from Doris and Crowley see Osborne crash under the posts!
Conversion by Jack Crowley IRELAND 7 – 0 SCOTLAND#IREvSCO | #GuinnessM6N pic.twitter.com/C0j5ZduKx6
–Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 14, 2026
Graham passes for the Scots
Ireland’s score seemed to give the Scots a boost and they immediately went on the attack. The Scottish offense went left then came back to the right side of the field to find Darcy Graham. Scotland’s top try scorer added to his tally to the delight of the many traveling and noisy supporters in the stadium. Despite a difficult position on the touchline, the always precise Finn Russell converted to level the score.
SCOTLAND STRIKES! Finn Russell’s smooth pass frees Graham for the right corner
IRELAND 7 – 7 SCOTLAND#IREvSCO | #GuinnessM6N pic.twitter.com/f8ioXEoVCg
–Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 14, 2026
Sheehan crashes to try
The pace of the match was maintained by Ireland who quickly found themselves deep in Scottish territory. A Scottish player speaking out of turn resulted in his team being penalized 10 yards.
Ireland kicked for touch, comfortably won the ensuing lineout and hooker Dan Sheehan scored his 18th international five-pointer as he crashed over from close range.
A more difficult kick for Crowley this time sailed between the posts for the Cork Constitution man to maintain his 100% goal kicking record at this stage of the match. Ireland led 14-7, having scored two converted tries, but there were only 11 minutes left to play.
𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐀 𝐓𝐑𝐘!
Dan Sheehan passes from a few meters after a powerful maul
IRELAND 14 – 7 SCOTLAND#IREvSCO | #GuinnessM6N pic.twitter.com/NON8zeg9qg
–Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 14, 2026
Baloucoune shows his speed
Speedster Rob Baloucoune was next to get in on the try-scoring act. With the home side on attack, the winger initially found himself unmarked on the west side of the pitch, and once he gained possession he turned on the burners before stretching towards the line. Keeping his feet high and in play, the Ulsterman managed to touch the ball for 19-7. Crowley missed his first kick at the posts while attempting to convert his team’s third try of the first quarter.
𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡! Robert Baloucoune blazes at 30 meters!
IRELAND 19 SCOTLAND 7#IREvSCO | #GuinnessM6N pic.twitter.com/G50dL7ixl2
–Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 14, 2026
Half-time: Ireland 19 Scotland 7
It was first blood for the Scots in the second half. With momentum in their favor, Finn Russell scored his side’s second try of the match, before converting his own five-pointer. The visitors had now reduced the gap on the scoreboard to 19-14.
𝗦𝗖𝗢𝗧𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗡𝗗𝗦! Russell deceives the defense and crashes near the corner!#IREvSCO | #GuinnessM6N pic.twitter.com/aJxUtMdtDA
–Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 14, 2026
Try Murray on his Six Nations debut
Connacht’s Darragh Murray made a dream debut at the Guinness Six Nations. Short time on the field following the release of Tadhg Beirne for an HIA. The Buccaneers man won the bonus point try for his team during a short period of time on the field. With Crowley adding the extras, it looked like Ireland were set to go well ahead of the Scots.
𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐀 𝐃𝐄𝐁𝐔𝐓!
Murray crosses the line brilliantly under Dempsey!
IRELAND 24 – 14 SCOTLAND#IREvSCO | #GuinnessM6N pic.twitter.com/vuNYQlnAj5
–Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 14, 2026
Despite a score of 26-14, the visitors responded with another converted try. Rory Darge, the Scotland vice-captain, scored for the score, before Russell launched his third conversion of the afternoon. The score was now 26-21 with over 20 minutes left on the clock.
Ireland Substitutions
With 14 minutes to go, the Irish management made six substitutions. The entire front row was changed, Murray returned – this time for Joe McCarthy – Ciarán Frawley and Bundee Aki entered the fray in place of Garry Ringrose and Rob Baloucoune.
O’Brien on two attempts
Tommy O’Brien added a fifth Irish try, and his 7th in the green jersey, during a passage in the 68th minute. Crowley converted the score to give his team a 33-21 lead. Crowley quickly scored a penalty – his first of the match – and Ireland were well in control on the scoreboard, 36-21.
O’Brien showed off his fantastic pace to add a try scored right at the death. With all the pressure off and victory assured, Crowley converted a tricky attempt for Ireland to emerge victorious by a score of 43-21 and claim the Triple Crown.
𝐎’𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧 𝐮𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞!
Tommy O’Brien tears up the Scottish defense!
IRELAND 31 – 21 SCOTLAND#IREvSCO | #GuinnessM6N pic.twitter.com/lDjgwDaduW
–Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) March 14, 2026
Final score: Ireland 43 Scotland 21
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