3 Ireland vs Wales – The Celtic Rivalry
Ireland and Wales share one of the most compelling rivalries in rugby, shaped by common Celtic roots and a tradition of open, attacking play. Their annual battle for the Millennium Trophy adds extra significance, ensuring each encounter is fiercely contested and emotionally charged.
The two nations first met in 1882 and have played 136 times, with Wales winning 70 matches, Ireland 59, and seven ending in draws. On the World Cup stage, they have faced each other three times: Wales won in 1987 and 2011, while Ireland eliminated Wales in 1995.
2 Scotland vs England – The Calcutta Cup
Few trophies in world rugby carry the prestige of the Calcutta Cup, contested annually by Scotland and England since 1879. As the oldest international rugby trophy—predating the Bledisloe Cup by over fifty years—it symbolizes more than just victory: it represents pride, history, and bragging rights.
Matches for the Cup are typically defined by intensity, tactical battles, and dramatic swings in momentum. As the oldest of several trophies contested within the Six Nations framework, the Calcutta Cup remains one of the championship’s most anticipated fixtures.
1 Wales vs England – Rugby’s Fiercest Rivalry
At the pinnacle of Six Nations rivalries stands Wales versus England—a fixture steeped in history, proximity, and fierce national pride. Encounters between these two rugby giants are renowned for their passion, iconic moments, and uncompromising physicality. The added incentive of the Triple Crown, awarded to the top Home Nation, often raises the stakes even higher.
The rivalry dates back to 1881, with the teams having played 143 matches: England have won 70, Wales 61, and 12 have ended in draws. Their geographic closeness and long-shared history only deepen the intensity of this contest.
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