by Ireland will hope to retain their Six Nations title against Scotland on Super Saturday, having cruelly dashed dreams of a historic Grand Slam.
Andy Farrell’s previously dominant Green Machine went to Twickenham in the fourth round just two wins away from becoming the first team in the Six Nations era to win back-to-back Grand Slams, but they were well below their usual standards sky against an improved England outfit and they lost. a thriller courtesy of one point from Marcus Smith’s dramatic last-gasp goal.
As well as keeping their Grand Slam double bid on track, another title would have been safely wrapped up for Ireland to beat England with a game to spare, but instead they now have work to do on the final day to make sure they don’t smoke. all away to follow his World Cup quarter-final heartbreak last autumn.
Still huge favorites to retain their trophy, Ireland, aided by a massive +80 point difference, only need to win or even draw against Scotland to win the title again, and losing two bonus points would put them also for finding England’s closest challenge. , who travel to play in France in Lyon later in the evening.
One bonus point in a loss was also enough for Ireland to lift the trophy again, unless England could hammer France with a bonus point to turn around that alarming points deficit.
Scotland may have felt they should still be in the Championship themselves before last weekend with their only win coming in highly controversial circumstances against France, having survived an epic comeback second half of Wales and beat England in the match. Calcutta Cup for the fourth consecutive time.
However, as France did almost two weeks earlier, they came unstuck against Italy in a huge upset in Rome, the Azzurri holding out for a thrilling finish to record their first Six Nations home win in 11 years.
That loss has dealt a realistic blow to Scotland’s chances of a first title in the Six Nations era, with Gregor Townsend’s side looking to take a bonus point away from Ireland outright – and denying their opponents any bonus points in the process – and they hope that France won then. England in Lyon without a bonus point while engineering their own massive points swing.
It put a damper on growing optimism, as Scotland looked to have turned a corner after a disappointing second successive World Cup pool exit. , when Ireland put them aside again. However, if Ireland were to be beaten this weekend, they would be claiming their first Triple Crown since 1990.
Ireland vs Scotland date, start time and venue
Ireland vs Scotland is the second of three matches scheduled for the Six Nations Super Saturday and will take place on March 16, 2024, with kick-off scheduled for 4:45pm GMT.
The game is being held at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
How to watch Ireland vs Scotland
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be broadcast live and free to air on ITV1, with coverage starting at 3:55pm.
Live stream: Fans can also catch the rugby action live online for free via the ITVX website and the ITVX app.
Live blog: Follow live minute-by-minute updates from the game with Standard Sport’s rolling blog.
Ireland vs Scotland team news
Ireland assistant coach Simon Easterby confirmed on Tuesday that both Calvin Nash and Ciaran Frawley were on track to feature against Scotland.
Munster wing Nash suffered a blow to the head in the build-up to England’s first try at Twickenham after Tommy Freeman was concussed, subsequently failing a head injury assessment (HIA).
His replacement, Frawley, also failed to have an HIA in the second half, and Ireland only had player Conor Murray as their other bench back in a 6-2 split when No9 Jamison Gibson-Park had the final game out.
Ireland lost lock James Ryan to a freak biceps injury suffered in training last week, with Iain Henderson taking his place in the squad against England.
Fullback Hugo Keenan returned from a knee problem at Twickenham, but center Garry Ringrose did not play despite returning to training after a shoulder problem and prop Oli Jager (knee) also missed out on Finlay’s return Bealham on the bench.
Ben White is certain to return for Scotland after being sidelined against Italy with George Horne getting a rare start at half-back, supported by Ali Price.
However, center Sione Tuipulotu is out with a knee injury. Glasgow full-back Ally Miller has earned his first Scotland call-up in place of Hamish Watson, while youngsters Alex Samuel and Max Williamson are also in training and Jamie Bhatti and Glen Young have been released alongside Watson.
Ireland vs Scotland line
Andy Farrell and Gregor Townsend will name their respective teams on Thursday. Check back then to see the lineups in full.
Ireland vs Scotland head to head (h2h) history and results
Ireland have dominated this game for some time now, winning nine games in a row against Scotland and 13 of the last 14 overall.
They easily won 36-14 at the Stade de France in October to secure their World Cup progress and see off the Scots, who also lost 22-7 at Murrayfield in last year’s Six Nations.
Scotland have not beaten Dublin since the Six Nations’ 23-20 win at Croke Park in 2010.
Ireland won: 70
Scotland wins: 66
Draws: 5
Ireland vs Scotland prediction
Avoid a wounded Ireland.
Farrell’s men will be looking to bounce back from their shock loss to arch-rivals England at Twickenham which saw them achieve their historic Grand Slam double attempt as they look to at least ensure they retain their title in style back home , ending any drama or hope for England. gazumping is last-gasp.
It was a strange old competition for Scotland, which has blown really hot and cold, looking brilliant at times but also very vulnerable at others because they lack proper consistency.
The generally promising Six Nations have stepped up to that challenge in Rome and are now looking to win two of their five games and a possible top-half finish. They could finish fifth if things really go against them on the final day.
Ireland to win, 15 points.
The game between Ireland and Scotland has a chance
Ireland to win: 1/12
Scotland to win: 15/2
Draw: 33/1
Option via Betfair (subject to change).
