Six Nations Championship 2026: “Excitement, nerves and superiority” for Ireland before clinching the Scotland Triple Crown

Considering they started the Six Nations with a humiliating 36-14 defeat to France in Paris, Ireland did well to stay in contention for the title on a fantastic weekend.

After losing to the French team for the second year in a row, Ireland rose up to defeat Italy in Dublin, although their celebrations were muted after failing to get an extra point.

In the 42-21 win away to England, Ireland were at their destructive best in a performance that restored confidence in the team’s potential.

And while last week’s win over Wales wasn’t exactly earth-shattering, it leaves Andy Farrell’s side in a Super Saturday Triple Crown shoot-out with Scotland (14:10 GMT), who also go into the final weekend hoping to beat France to the championship.

Scotland have not won the Triple Crown since 1990, last lifting the title in the final year of the Five Nations in 1999.

To end their drought, they must beat Ireland in Dublin for the first time since 2010, and end a run of 11 consecutive losses to their rivals including two World Cup matches.

“It’s classy,” Irish attacking coach Andrew Goodman said when asked what the “Cup Final” feeling was like in preparations this week.

“You get back to training together on Sunday night and Monday morning and you can feel the edge around the place. It’s a nice feeling. This is where we want to be.”

“The players and the management group want to be part of these big games that have real significance for them. There’s a lot of excitement, a little bit of tension as you can imagine, and a good quality about the place.”