Rampant France took control of the Six Nations title race as they scored 34 unanswered points to thrash Ireland in Dublin and end the home side’s Grand Slam hopes. Despite losing captain Antoine Dupont to a suspected “serious” knee injury after 30 minutes, France scored three second-half tries to move two points clear of Ireland at the top and avenge last year’s defeat in Marseille.
Read more
Ireland kept their Six Nations Grand Slam hopes firmly on track with an 11th victory in a row over a disappointing Scotland at Murrayfield. The visitors blew away their hosts when speeding into a 17-0 lead with tries from Calvin Nash and captain Caelan Doris, both converted by Sam Prendergast, who also added a penalty. Duhan van der Merwe’s spectacular finish at the end of the opening half gave Scotland some respite but Ireland responded in style in the second half to keep their three in a row bid alive.
Read more
Leinster were unable to shed their losing habit in Investec Champions Cup finals after they were edged 31-22 by Toulouse with only extra time separating the rivals at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The two most successful teams in the competition’s history went toe to toe in a thunderous collision with the boot of Thomas Ramos proving decisive for the French side.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more