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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Late penalty sees France edge out England

Thomas Ramos kicked the winning penalty from the halfway line as France edged England in a seven-try thriller to finish second in the 2024 Six Nations. After Ireland’s title win in Dublin, the hosts led 16-3 in Lyon before Ollie Lawrence scored either side of the break to hand England the advantage. Marcus Smith stretched their lead but Leo Barre and Gael Fickou hit back.

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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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Italy hang on to hand Wales first wooden spoon in 21 years

Italy beat Wales in Cardiff to achieve their most successful Six Nations campaign and consign their hosts to a first Wooden Spoon in 21 years. A try from wing Monty Ioane and two Paulo Garbisi penalties gave Italy an 11-0 half-time lead. Lorenzo Pani added a brilliant score with Garbisi and Martin Page-Relo kicking penalties. Wales responded with tries from Elliot Dee, Will Rowlands and Mason Grady to give the score some respectability.

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