Ireland grew to become grand slam champions for the fourth time following Saturday’s 29-16 Six Nations win over England in Dublin.
Here are the world’s top-ranked nation’s different leads to the championship.
Wales 10 Ireland 34 – February 4
Ireland underlined their standing as match favourites by ruining Warren Gatland’s return as Wales boss due to a shocking begin in Cardiff. Tries from Caelan Doris, James Ryan and James Lowe contained in the opening 21 minutes helped depart the outclassed hosts 27-3 down on the break.
Ireland, who misplaced first-choice scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park and alternative prop Cian Healy to harm simply earlier than kick-off, weathered a short lived storm early within the second interval earlier than 2022 world participant of the 12 months Josh Van Der Flier crossed late on to clinch the bonus level and cap a advantageous afternoon’s work.
Ireland 32 France 19 – February 11
A pulsating second-round defeat in Paris finally denied Ireland a clear sweep in 2022. Twelve months on and Andy Farrell’s males stylishly turned the tables on Les Bleus to propel themselves into pole place for title glory.
Ireland as soon as once more registered three first-half tries – by way of Hugo Keenan, Lowe and Andrew Porter – en path to halting the defending champions’ outstanding 14-match successful run.
Garry Ringrose fatally ended French resistance in a gripping contest between the world’s high two sides following Damian Penaud’s beautiful breakaway rating and 14 factors from Thomas Ramos.
Italy 20 Ireland 34 – February 25
Ireland had been and not using a host of injured stars in Rome, together with captain Johnny Sexton, and finally averted a significant upset with a disjointed victory. The bonus level was within the bag by the break courtesy of scores from stand-in skipper Ryan, Keenan, Bundee Aki and Mack Hansen.
Yet the Irish had been rattled for big elements of a relentless encounter and Pierre Bruno’s intercept strive on the stroke of half-time, which added to Stephen Varney’s effort, ignited recent optimism among the many Azzurri. Hansen’s second rating of the day ultimately settled proceedings at Stadio Olimpico after Farrell was pictured biting his nails.
Scotland 7 Ireland 22 – March 12
Depleted Ireland saved their composure and confirmed their class amid the mayhem of Murrayfield. Forwards Doris, Dan Sheehan and Iain Henderson every departed injured contained in the opening 23 minutes earlier than the lack of deputy hooker Ronan Kelleher shortly after half-time left veteran prop Healy filling the void in the midst of the entrance row and flanker Van Der Flier throwing lineouts.
Despite the chaos and adversity, Ireland, who additionally had Ringrose stretchered off, overturned an early deficit and dominated the second interval. Tries from Lowe and Jack Conan killed the competition following Hansen’s advantageous first-half end.
