Ireland keep pressure on France with bonus-point win over Scotland

Ireland claimed a fourth Triple Crown in five years and kept themselves in contention for Guinness Six Nations glory by crushing Scotland’s quest for history with a gripping 43-21 bonus-point win in Dublin.

Gregor Townsend’s side began “Super Saturday” dreaming of a maiden Six Nations title and the minimum of a first Triple Crown in 36 years.

But Ireland continued their remarkable decade-long dominance of the fixture with a 12th consecutive victory over the Scots to move top of the championship table for the time being at least.

Andy Farrell’s men – Six Nations champions in 2023 and 2024 – now require England to beat France in Paris in order to reclaim the ultimate prize and launch a St Patrick’s weekend party.

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Chris Wilson14 March 2026 16:45

Follow today’s Six Nations fixtures

Attention quickly turns to the other Six Nations fixtures of the day.

The Independent has live blogs for both of the remaining games, starting with Wales vs Italy, which you can follow live here.

(AFP via Getty Images)

Chris Wilson14 March 2026 16:38

Farrell: ‘The bench was immense’

Here’s what Ireland coach Andy Farrell had to say after the win

“The performance is one thing, it’s the manner of it of the personnel that did it. There is a lot of firsts for us this time round, first caps and people playing in the Six Nations for the first time and playing in Super Saturday when it counts for the first time and all those things are going to stand for us in the long run.”

On McCloskey being nominated for player of the tournament, he says: “He has to be doesn’t he? The Irish fridge! He’s immense. It’s huge for Stu, he has bided his time all these years and what he has done is immense, the quality of performance he has done, I don’t know when Stu last played five on the bounce for us and performed like that. It’s magnificent what he’s done.”

“I thought the bench was immense. Nick Timoney came on and was unbelievable and the experienced guys have passed on what it means to be an international player and the rest are benefitting from it.”

On their title hopes, he adds: “C’mon England and all of that, but, listen we are proud of how we have performed when we’ve had to and that’s five trophies in five years for us. I know it’s a Triple Crown but it’s hard to win over the years for Ireland and we’re proud of that.”

Chris Wilson14 March 2026 16:35

Tuipulotu: ‘Ireland were too good today’

Here’s what Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu had to say at full-time:

“I’m gutted. We really set our sights on coming here and getting a result, but Ireland were too good today.

“[Collisions] are where it was won and lost. I’m proud of the way we stuck in it, but we can’t make the errors we did.

“I think we’ve made progression, but we want to be where these guys are with a trophy.

“We were physically prepared, it’s on us as players.”

Chris Wilson14 March 2026 16:31

Baloucoune named Six Nations’ rising star

Robert Baloucoune has been named the Six Nations’ rising star, and this is what he had to say to ITV:

“It’s probably something I didn’t think would happen. At 28 I think I’m a bit old to be getting named a rising star. You have to put your best foot forward and take your opportunity.”

Chris Wilson14 March 2026 16:28

What do Ireland need in Paris?

A bonus-point win for Ireland means any England victory gives them the Six Nations title.

A France win would see Les Bleus retain the championship, while a bonus-point draw still gives them the title.

However, a tie with no try bonus also means Ireland would be crowned champions!

Chris Wilson14 March 2026 16:25

FULL-TIME! Ireland 43-21 Scotland(AP)(Brian Lawless/PA Wire)(Getty Images)

Chris Wilson14 March 2026 16:19

FULL-TIME! Ireland 43-21 Scotland

Doris goes on to lift the Triple Crown trophy in the middle of the pitch at the Aviva Stadium.

It’s a fourth Triple Crown for the team in five years!

(Brian Lawless/PA Wire)

Chris Wilson14 March 2026 16:14

FULL-TIME! Ireland 43-21 Scotland

Caelan Doris had the following to say after that Triple Crown win:

“I think we asked for a big performance, and they stood up. Beirne was unbelievable. It certainly came in waves, but our defence stood up.

“There were calm heads in there. It felt quite composed out there, it was good.

“We’ve shown the depth in the squad, so long may it continue.

“It’s a rare day to be cheering them [England] on, but we’ll see what happens and we’ll sit back and cheer them on!” he adds on the game later between England and France.

Chris Wilson14 March 2026 16:09

FULL-TIME! Ireland 43-21 Scotland(Getty Images)(AFP via Getty Images)(Liam McBurney/PA Wire)

Chris Wilson14 March 2026 16:05