All Blacks punish Ireland to inflict first home defeat since 2021

Ireland suffered a first home defeat in 20 games as New Zealand made little of their underdog status to record a 23-13 win in Dublin. The All Blacks played the conditions and the referee better and out-half Damian McKenzie kicked six penalties before Will Jordan continued his immaculate scoring record against Ireland with a 69th-minute try. Jack Crowley’s two-first half penalties had Ireland in touch but following Josh van der Flier’s converted try Andy Farrell’s side did not score again.

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Munster part company with coach Graham Rowntree

Munster have announced the departure of head coach Graham Rowntree by mutual agreement. The former England prop leaves after three consecutive defeats in the United Rugby Championship. Rowntree was named head coach in 2022 after joining the Irish province three years earlier as forwards coach.

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Ireland survive scare against Scotland to clinch Six Nations title

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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Farrell names unchanged team for clash with Scotland

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has named an unchanged starting fifteen for their Six Nations ending clash with Scotland on Saturday. Farrell says he is confident in the return-to-play process after Calvin Nash was passed fit to play despite failing a head injury assessment in their loss to England last weekend.

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Last gasp drop goal sees England end Ireland’s Grand Slam hopes

Ireland saw their Grand Slam dream denied in Twickenham as England’s Marcus Smith scored a drop goal in the last play of the game to claim a thrilling Guinness Six Nations win. Heavy underdogs coming into the game, Steve Borthwick’s side deservedly ended Ireland’s 11-game unbeaten run in the championship with a 23-22 victory.

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