Ireland held off a spirited Italy to secure a bonus-point win in Rome and keep alive their faint hopes of winning a third consecutive Six Nations. Hugo Keenan’s first-half score and Dan Sheehan’s hat-trick ensured a win that took Ireland to 19 points in the table, three clear of France and four ahead of England. Italy scored tries through Monty Ioane and Stephen Varney, but ultimately paid the price for ill discipline.
Read more
Ireland scored three tries in a dominant second-half display as they launched their bid for an unprecedented third successive Six Nations title with a bonus-point victory over England in Dublin. With the hosts struggling out of the blocks, an early score from England debutant Cadan Murley helped the visitors lead deservedly at the break. However Ireland turned on the style in the second half to make amends to get their campaign off to a winning start.
Read more
Ireland got back to winning ways after last week’s defeat to New Zealand, but Andy Farrell’s side were given an almighty scare by Argentina, who threatened to pull off a first ever victory on Irish soil. The Six Nations champions were 22-19 winners in a tense and entertaining contest at Aviva Stadium, but questions will have to be asked of their second-half performance, after they were held scoreless for the final 50 minutes.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more