Ireland have become back-to-back Six Nations champions following a hard-fought 17-13 win over Scotland at the Aviva Stadium.
Following the disappointment of last weekend’s loss to England, ending their dreams of two Grand Slams in a row, the penultimate game of this year's tournament proved to be a tense encounter.
Hugo Keenan was a late change for Ireland after pulling up in the warm-up, with Jordan Larmour slotting in at fullback.
Scotland opened the scoring with an early penalty from co-captain Finn Russell giving them the three-point lead.
How are the nerves 😬
A tight first half sees @IrishRugby lead 7-6 at the break with Dan Sheehan the try scorer 💪
All to play for in the second 40🤞 #IREvSCO #FromTheGroundUp pic.twitter.com/08YfncPB5U— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) March 16, 2024
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Although looking somewhat off-colour, Ireland pressed the Scottish defence, which held solid until Dan Sheehan crossed the line in the 13th minute, giving Jack Crowley the chance to claim the extra two.
Another penalty from Russell brought the visitors back to one point down, as a similar attempt from Crowley just inside the half-way line drifted left, leaving things 7-6 at the break.
The tempo picked up in the second half, as Crowley got the scoreboard ticking again with an early penalty.
🏆 2024 CHAMPIONS ☘️
Congratulations @IrishRugby 👏👏👏#GuinnessM6N pic.twitter.com/Z0YhKY5zBL— Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) March 16, 2024
Ireland attacked the line with greater vigour, threatening a try for a series of phases before Tadhg Furlong got over. However, the decision was sent up to the TMO, who deemed there was insufficient evidence to overturn the on-field decision of no try.
Denied the vital score, Andy Farrell’s men held the momentum as Gary Ringrose made his long-awaited Six Nation’s return.
Another push from the homeside ended in Robbie Henshaw getting over the line, but failing to ground the ball.
However, a series of penalties in the run-up led to Scotland having Ewan Ashman sent to the bin, and the resulting penalty saw Andrew Porter claim the second try of the game.
Crowley provided the conversion, making it 17-6.
Far from home and dry, a head-to-head contact sent replacement Harry Byrne to the bin, and just minutes later, a dynamite run had Huw Jones through a gap in the Irish line to take Scotland’s first and only try of the day.
Ever reliable from the tee, Russell added two points, cutting the deficit to four.
Despite the tight end, Scotland were low on accuracy and out of luck, conceding a penalty at the death to leave it 17-13 in Ireland’s favour.
