Ireland’s Journey to Retain the Guinness Six Nations Title
France 17 Ireland 38 – February 2nd
Ireland started their championship campaign with a remarkable victory over France in Marseille. Despite the absence of key players, Ireland delivered a dominant performance, securing a record win away from home.
- Tries from Jamison Gibson-Park and Tadhg Beirne set the tone for the match.
- Calvin Nash, Dan Sheehan, and Ronan Kelleher added to Ireland’s impressive scoreline.
- France’s efforts, including tries from Damian Penaud and Paul Gabrillagues, were not enough to stop Ireland’s physicality.
Ireland 36 Italy 0 – February 11th
In their second match, Ireland continued their winning streak by defeating Italy with a convincing performance in Dublin.
- Jack Crowley’s first senior try and a solid defensive display led Ireland to a comfortable victory.
- Hooker Sheehan’s two tries contributed to Ireland’s dominant performance.
- Jack Conan, James Lowe, and Nash also made significant contributions to the scoreline.
Ireland 31 Wales 7 – February 24th
Ireland’s march towards the title remained strong as they secured their third consecutive bonus-point win against Wales.
- Tries from Sheehan and Lowe showcased Ireland’s first-half dominance.
- A late score from Tadhg Beirne sealed the victory and equalled England’s record of consecutive wins.
- Stand-in full-back Ciaran Frawley and flawless fly-half Crowley played crucial roles in Ireland’s success.
England 23 Ireland 22 – March 9th
Ireland’s hopes of a Grand Slam were dashed in a thrilling encounter against England at Twickenham.
- Marcus Smith’s late drop goal secured a dramatic victory for England, ending Ireland’s unbeaten run.
- Lowe’s tries and Crowley’s penalties were not enough to overcome England’s standout performance.
- Ollie Lawrence, George Furbank, and Ben Earl’s tries led England to a memorable upset.
Ireland 17 Scotland 13 – March 16th
In the final match, Ireland clinched the championship title with a hard-fought victory over Scotland in Dublin.
- Andrew Porter’s crucial try and Sheehan’s opportunistic score secured Ireland’s tenth consecutive win over Scotland.
- Crowley’s accurate kicking played a key role in Ireland’s success.