Ireland beat Scotland 43-21 to win Triple Crown

Ireland 43-21 Scotland, Dublin

Ireland secured the Triple Crown and kept their Six Nations title hopes alive with a commanding 43-21 victory over Scotland at the Aviva Stadium.

In a fast-paced and entertaining contest, Ireland’s attacking efficiency and set-piece dominance proved decisive as they scored six tries to overwhelm a determined Scottish side.

The win ensured Ireland completed victories over England, Wales and Scotland in the championship, while maintaining pressure in the title race heading into the final round.

Ireland Start Strong In Dublin

Ireland began the match with intensity and were rewarded early. Fullback Jamie Osborne crossed under the posts after sustained pressure from a dominant Irish scrum forced Scotland onto the back foot.

Scotland responded quickly with a well-worked try. Fly-half Finn Russell orchestrated the attack before winger Darcy Graham finished in the corner after the visitors patiently built phases inside the Irish 22.

Ireland soon regained control through their powerful forward pack. A driving maul from a line-out allowed hooker Dan Sheehan to break away and score from close range, restoring the hosts’ advantage.

Before halftime, Ireland struck again through a superb attacking move. Centre Stuart McCloskey delivered a long pass that cut through the Scottish defensive line, allowing Robert Baloucoune to race clear and score on the wing. Ireland carried a 19-7 lead into the break.

Scotland Push Back After Halftime

Scotland returned for the second half with renewed energy and reduced the deficit when Finn Russell spotted space near the ruck and darted through for a try.

For a short period the contest tightened as Scotland increased their attacking tempo. However, Ireland regained control through patient attacking phases.

Their fourth try arrived after a sustained multi-phase attack, with replacement forward Darragh Murray finishing the move to secure the four-try bonus point. Scotland then added another try when Rory Darge forced his way over from close range after sustained pressure near the Irish try line, briefly raising hopes of a comeback.

Ireland closed the match strongly in the final quarter. Winger Tommy O’Brien scored after a powerful midfield break created space on the outside.

In the final minute, Scotland attempted to attack from deep but lost possession. Ireland quickly countered and O’Brien sprinted clear to score his second try of the match.

The Aviva Stadium crowd celebrated as the final whistle confirmed a 43-21 victory and Ireland’s Triple Crown triumph, keeping their championship ambitions firmly alive.

Team line up:

Ireland: Osborne; Baloucoune, Ringrose, McCloskey, O'Brien; Crowley, Gibson-Park; O'Toole, Sheehan, Furlong, McCarthy, Beirne, Conan, Van der Flier, Doris (capt).

Reserves: Kelleher, Milne, Bealham, Murray, Timoney, Casey, Frawley, Aki.

Scotland: Kinghorn; Graham, Jones, Tuipulotu (capt), Steyn; Russell, White; Schoeman, Turner, Z Fagerson, Williamson, Gilchrist, M Fagerson, Darge, Dempsey.

Reserves: Ashman, Sutherland, Rae, Craig, Bradbury, Horne, Rowe, Jordan.