One hand on the Six Nations trophy as Ireland beat Scotland

MATCH REPORT: Ireland beat Scotland 43–21 on Saturday to keep their Six Nations title hopes alive and win the Triple Crown for the fourth time in five years.

With a spot at the top of the Six Nations log on the cards, it was an intense affair in Dublin.

Both teams started in fine form, with Ireland delivering a blow in the second minute and Scotland hitting back almost immediately.

In the end, Ireland outscored Scotland six tries to three.

To recap all the action CLICK HERE!!!

Tommy O’Brien scored two of Ireland’s six tries as the Irish dashed Scotland’s hopes of both the title and the Triple Crown.

The win leaves Ireland in a strong position to secure the Six Nations title.

They hold a three-point lead over France heading into the final round.

However, Ireland will need England to beat France in Paris in the final match of the Six Nations on Saturday if they are to lift the trophy.

Silverware secured! Ireland win the triple crown!#GuinnessM6N #Since1883 pic.twitter.com/0IweQLC2IP

— Guinness Men’s Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) March 14, 2026

Ireland were quick out of the blocks, Jamie Osborne going over in the third minute for his fourth try in successive Tests.

Jack Crowley, who had produced the decisive pass for Osborne, knocked over the conversion.

Scotland struck back almost immediately, 19 phases of play ending with Blair Kinghorn finding Darcy Graham on the wing and he went over in the right-hand corner.

Finn Russell converted to reach the 300-point mark in the Six Nations.

Finn Russell delivers for Scotland 😎💪#Since1883 #StarsInTheStands pic.twitter.com/bsxu8ilTGJ

— Guinness Men’s Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) March 14, 2026

There had been serious questions posed about Crowley’s kicking – both at the posts and line kicking – but he pinged a penalty to touch within metres of the Scottish line.

From the resulting line-out Dan Sheehan, fresh from sitting out the Wales game, went over. Crowley converted for 14-7.

Robert Baloucoune is known as ‘The Cat’ and the Ulster wing showed some deft footwork to score Ireland’s third try, after a terrific long pass by Stuart McCloskey.

Baloucoune, one of the stars of the tournament, managed to ground the ball before his feet went into touch.

Crowley’s conversion was wide but the hosts were 19-7 up and one try away from a bonus point before the 20-minute mark.

Scotland twice went into the Irish 22m area and both times the hosts turned the ball over – Tom O’Toole doing brilliantly to rob Kinghorn of the ball – and on a third occasion the Irish won a penalty.

The Scottish backline was also not the smooth operating machine it had been against the French and Sione Tuipulotu’s knock-on right on half-time summed up a misfiring first period.

The second half began at the same frenetic pace.

The Scots laid siege on the Irish line, the home side finally cracking as Russell sliced through for his 11th try for his country. Russell converted for 19-14.

Back came the Irish and over went Darragh Murray, just minutes after coming on for his Six Nations debut, which was converted by Crowley for 26-14.

The Scots, however, just would not let the hosts ease up, storming back with Rory Darge charging over. Russell converted to make it a five-point game again.

Farrell threw on several pairs of fresh legs with 15 minutes remaining, including Bundee Aki returning after missing the first three matches because he was suspended.

Aki made his mark immediately playing a key role in a superb move which climaxed with O’Brien going over. Crowley converted for 33-21 with 12 minutes remaining.

Crowley had been excellent in defence and offence, and took a brilliant contested catch which had Farrell on his feet.

He then slotted over a penalty for 36-21.

The Scots pressed hard but the Irish defence held magnificently and forced the visitors into an infringement on their line with minutes remaining.

There was still time for the Irish to cap a fine display as another loose Russell pass ended with O’Brien showing his searing pace to go over for his eighth try in nine Tests.

Crowley – with the Fields of Athenry ringing round the ground – converted superbly and ran to embrace his teammates.

Luke Pearce sorting out the scrum!#GuinnessM6N #Since1883 pic.twitter.com/cjijeGAPUb

— Guinness Men’s Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) March 14, 2026

Player of the match: It was an incredible Test with individual stars making big impacts. Scotland were brave and Ireland fought like warriors. In the end, our nod goes to Irish captain Caelan Doris. The No. 8 was great in defence and incredible in attack. He made strong runs and put in massive hits. He truly led from the front.

The scorers:

For Ireland:
Tries: Osborne, Sheehan, Baloucoune, Murray, O’Brien 2
Cons: Crowley 4
Pen: Crowley

For Scotland:
Tries: Graham, Russell, Darge
Cons: Russell 3

Teams

Ireland: 15 Jamie Osborne, 14 Rob Baloucoune, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 11 Tommy O’Brien, 10 Jack Crowley, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Caelan Doris (captain), 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Jack Conan, 5 Tadhg Beirne, 4 Joe McCarthy, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Dan Sheehan, 1 Tom O’Toole.
Replacements: 16 Rónan Kelleher, 17 Michael Milne, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 Darragh Murray, 20 Nick Timoney, 21 Craig Casey, 22 Ciaran Frawley, 23 Bundee Aki.

Scotland: 15 Blair Kinghorn, 14 Darcy Graham, 13 Huw Jones, 12 Sione Tuipulotu (captain), 11 Kyle Steyn, 10 Finn Russell (vice-captain), 9 Ben White, 8 Jack Dempsey, 7 Rory Darge (vice-captain), 6 Matt Fagerson, 5 Grant Gilchrist, 4 Max Williamson, 3 Zander Fagerson, 2 George Turner, 1 Pierre Schoeman
Replacements: 16 Ewan Ashman, 17 Rory Sutherland, 18 D’arcy Rae, 19 Alex Craig, 20 Magnus Bradbury, 21 George Horne, 22 Kyle Rowe, 23 Tom Jordan

Referee: Luke Pearce (England)
Assistant referees: Angus Gardner (Australia), Damian Schneider (Argentina)
TMO: Andrew Jackson (England)

Additional reporting: AFP