Ireland v Scotland LIVE: Result and reaction as Ireland win 2024 Six Nations title
Ireland 17-13 Scotland: Andy Farrell’s men edge to victory in Dublin to seal the 2024 Six Nations title
Ireland claimed a nervy 17-13 victory over Scotland in Dublin to seal back-to-back Six Nations titles. Ireland saw their grand slam dreams crushed by England last week but quickly bounced back to win the championship, although they were made to work hard for the win.
Andy Farrell’s men only needed to avoid defeat to guarantee that they would be lifting the trophy at the Aviva Stadium and they led 7-6 at half-time thanks to Dan Sheehan’s try following an overthrown lineout.
They then roared out of the blocks in the second half and moved 17-6 ahead with Andrew Porter’s try, meaning Huw Jones’s late score was only a consolation for the Scots and the hosts saw the game out to spark celebrations at the Aviva Stadium.
For their part, Gregor Townsend’s troops were smarting following a shock 31-29 defeat to Italy last time out that scuppered their title chances and although they put in an improved performance in Dublin, they have now lost 10 straight matches against Ireland and a Six Nations that started with so much promise will ultimately go down as a failure after just two wins.
Relive all the action with our blog below:
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Battling Ireland bounce back to win Six Nations title and crush Scotland dreams
Ireland became back-to-back Six Nations champions by crushing Scotland’s quest for a first triple crown in 34 years with a scrappy 17-13 win.
Andy Farrell’s hosts were well below their free-flowing best in Dublin but avoided any major ‘Super Saturday’ drama to retain the championship title.
Andrew Porter’s second-half try fatally broke the resistance of the stubborn Scots to ignite the St Patrick’s weekend celebrations and satisfy an expectant capacity crowd at the Aviva Stadium.
Hooker Dan Sheehan set Ireland on course for glory – and a 10th successive win over Scotland – with an opportunistic first-half score, while Jack Crowley kicked seven points.
A pair of first-half Finn Russell penalties meant Gregor Townsend’s men trailed just 7-6 at the break and he added a late conversion following Huw Jones’ consolation try.
Yet the Scots were powerless to prevent Ireland bouncing back from the disappointment of their dream of successive grand slams being agonisingly ended by England last weekend.
Battling Ireland bounce back to win Six Nations title and crush Scotland dreams
Ireland 17-13 Scotland: Andy Farrell’s men edged to victory in Dublin to seal the 2024 Six Nations title
Ireland lift Six Nations trophy
Here’s the moment Ireland lifted the Six Nations trophy after beating Scotland.
Back-to-back champions and they’ll take some stopping.
Gregor Townsend ‘really proud of his players'
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend told BBC Radio Scotland: “I feel really proud of the players. All 23 - the effort they put in today in one of the toughest environments to play in.
“They fronted up in the first half, very physical, and at times created opportunities to pressure Ireland. We know we could have done better in the third quarter, but I’m so proud of the effort at the end.
“To score that try and then look like we might score another try, that’s all you can ask from your team. You could see the fitness of our players and the impact of our bench.
“We tried at the end, and it’s a shame we couldn’t get through a few more phases. Our forwards did really well, Stafford McDowall carried hard at times. We probably didn’t get the rewards in the first half.
“It was a very close Test match until we got a man in the bin, but I’m so proud of the guys.”
Peter O’Mahony discusses potential retirement and Six Nations win
Peter O’Mahony spoke to ITV after the narrow win in Dublin.
On whether he will now retire from international rugby: “I don’t know. I’ve got a few chats to have with family over the next couple of weeks. If it was my last one, it’s not a bad one to go out on.
“This has been one of the tougher weeks of my career. We weren’t happy with the performance last week and knew we could do better. Thankfully today we did it against a seriously good Scottish side. We showed grit and ambition with the ball in a damp, greasy environment.
“We played good rugby in the middle 20 minutes of the second half and that was important for us. We spoke about getting stuck in.
“This is a special group of people - players and staff. The World Cup experience bonded the group. It’s a huge honour to captain your country and a huge honour every time you’re selected to play. We showed it the utmost respect today.”
Ireland win the 2024 Six Nations
At one stage it looked like Ireland would cruise to back-to-back grand slams in the Six Nations but England scuppered that at Twickenham last week.
However, Andy Farrell’s men bounced back to get the win they needed today to seal the title. They were made to work hard by Scotland but Andrew Porter’s try proved decisive. They won’t be easy to stop next year either as they go for three on the spin.
FULL-TIME! Ireland 17-13 Scotland - IRELAND WIN THE SIX NATIONS
And it’s there! Clock goes red, they boot into the stands and Ireland win the 2024 Six Nations! Not always pretty but they win and seal back-to-back titles. Well deserved
Ireland 17-13 Scotland, 79 mins
Go through the phases and eat the remaining clock is the aim for Ireland
Ireland 17-13 Scotland, 79 mins
Scotland look to run from deep. A try would win it! Russell fakes a cross-field kick. But they knock on! Roar from the Irish crowd. They’re all but there.
Bunker review complete and Byrne’s yellow card stays yellow by the way
TRY! Ireland 17-13 Scotland (Huw Jones, 78 mins)
And they do score! Huw Jones does it all himself.
He slips through one tackle and breas through the defensive line. One on one with Lowe in the backfield, steps him beautifully and runs under the posts. Easy conversion and Scotland within four points.
They couldn’t, could they...
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