The Republic of Ireland fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat by Euro 2024-bound Switzerland in a low-key friendly in Dublin. Xherdan Shaqiri struck the winner in the 23rd minute when he curled a free-kick into the bottom corner. Granit Xhaka hit the post from 40 yards as he almost capitalised on a poor clearance by Gavin Bazunu.
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Evan Ferguson missed an early penalty for the Republic as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Belgium in a friendly at the Aviva Stadium. In John O’Shea’s first game as interim manager, Ferguson saw his tame spot-kick saved by Belgium goalkeeper Matz Sels. The Boys in Green more than impressed albeit against a much changed Belgian side that was without the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne.
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For the second year in a row Ireland have been crowned Guinness Six Nations champions on home soil, and for the second year in a row they survived a few scares along the way to seal it. Andy Farrell’s side completed back-to-back championships with a 17-13 defeat of Scotland on the final day of the campaign, overpowering the visitors in the final quarter after what had been an error-strewn first hour.
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Ireland’s quest for back-to-back Six Nations Grand Slams remains on, as they secured a 31-7 victory over Wales in Round 3 at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Hooker Dan Sheehan, wing James Lowe, full-back Ciaran Frawley and lock Tadhg Beirne scored tries in the bonus-point success, with out-half Jack Crowley finishing 100 per cent with the boot, landing a penalty and all four conversions.
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Ireland maintained their push for successive Six Nations Grand Slams with a comfortable, if sometimes scrappy, bonus-point win over Italy in Dublin. First-half tries from Jack Crowley, Dan Sheehan and Jack Conan put the Irish 19-0 up at half-time with James Lowe and Calvin Nash also adding to the tally.
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