Six Nations 2026: Ireland plan for England upset with title hopes at stake

The last time Ireland visited Allianz Stadium, in 2024, they had just equaled England’s Six Nations record of 11 successive wins, and were chasing the atmosphere of back-to-back Grand Slams.

Since that 23-22 defeat, Ireland have lost six times in 20 Tests. All six of those losses have come to the other three nations – South Africa, New Zealand and France – that are currently ranked higher than Andy Farrell’s side.

In the 12 months since beating England in last year’s Six Nations, Ireland have lost to France (twice), the All Blacks and the Springboks by a combined total of 61 points.

Their miserable return to Paris two weeks ago ended in their biggest Six Nations defeat in 16 years, giving fuel to the ‘Ireland in decline’ debate.

Indeed, a series of humbling experiences with the game’s biggest players has intensified scrutiny on a team that has dropped to fifth in the world rankings after entering the 2023 World Cup ranked first.

Whether it was age, the squeak, the scintillating attack, the precarious fly-half position, or the legacy of the British and Irish Lions, most of the discussion was largely negative.

But from an Irish perspective, there is no better way to turn the narrative than with a big win over the English, who are scarred from last week’s Calcutta Cup defeat to Scotland.

Of course, having left the Stade de France empty-handed before failing to pick up a bonus point in the win over Italy, Ireland know that another loss will doom their title hopes for another year.

“I think the players will be a bit annoyed by the negative chat that has surrounded the team in the past,” legendary Irish halfback Conor Murray told Irish Rugby Social.

“There are a lot of quality players and leaders in this team. I hope they go out there and say let’s go guys, we’re tired of people talking negatively about us, look at the quality we have in the room.”