Ireland Edge Closer to Historic Third Consecutive Six Nations Title

Ireland took a crucial step towards a historic third consecutive Six Nations title, defeating Italy 22-17 in Rome, with Dan Sheehan scoring a hat-trick of tries to secure a bonus-point win.

Reigning Six Nations champions Ireland took a crucial step towards an unprecedented third consecutive title with a hard-fought 22-17 victory over Italy in Rome. The bonus-point win propelled Ireland to the top of the table with 19 points, three points clear of France and four ahead of England.

Ireland's victory was not without its challenges, as Italy took an early lead through Monty Ioane's 12th-minute try at the Stadio Olimpico. However, the Azzurri's prospects were severely hindered by disciplinary issues, with Michele Lamoro and Giacomo Nicotera receiving yellow cards, while No. 8 Ross Vintcent was shown a 20th-minute red card for a head-on-head challenge.

Ireland's hooker Dan Sheehan proved to be the hero of the match, scoring a hat-trick of tries, while full-back Hugo Keenan also crossed Italy's line. Reflecting on the win, Sheehan expressed his satisfaction with the five points, but acknowledged that a greater points difference would have been beneficial. “Happy with five points, we probably needed a bit more points difference,” Sheehan told ITV. “Fair play to Italy, I thought their game-plan worked well and they put us under pressure. We got five points and it's up to the other teams now.”

The fate of the Six Nations title remains firmly in France's control. If they secure a bonus-point victory at home to Scotland, they will reach 21 points, a total that England can only match with a heavy win over Wales in Cardiff, but France's superior points difference would still give them the edge.

France's prospects of winning the title have been bolstered by their impressive points difference, which currently stands at 86 points better than England's. This significant advantage is a testament to France's dominant performances, including their 42-27 win over Ireland in Dublin last weekend, which ended Ireland's Grand Slam hopes.

Although France are well-placed to win the title, it is surprising that they are not in contention for a Grand Slam of their own. Their campaign has been marked by several convincing victories, including a 43-0 win over Wales and a 73-24 rout of Italy. However, their Grand Slam ambitions were dashed by a 26-25 loss to England in the second round, a match in which France squandered several clear try-scoring opportunities.

Despite the setback against England, France have regained their momentum, producing commanding performances in their subsequent matches. Even the loss of inspirational captain Antoine Dupont to a knee injury in the match against Ireland failed to derail their progress. Dupont's absence will be felt in the Scotland game, but France's depth and resilience have been key factors in their success so far.

Maturing France

Stand-in skipper Gregory Alldritt expressed confidence in France's ability to adapt to the absence of captain Antoine Dupont, who is sidelined with a knee injury. ”We're at the end of a Six Nations, the system has been in place since the start,” Alldritt told reporters on Friday. “We've continued with what we've been working on for seven weeks.” Alldritt emphasized the team's growth and maturity, saying, “We've progressed little by little. We've matured, become more consistent and I hope we'll prove that once again on Saturday night.”

Scotland co-captain Finn Russell, who has extensive experience playing in France, is well aware of the daunting task facing his side. “They (France) have got everything to play for,” said the fly-half. “Hopefully, we can disrupt it. I know it's going to be a massive challenge tomorrow night.”

England Favourites Against Struggling Wales

England will be favourites to beat a Wales side on a 16-Test losing streak.

Finishing with a W in Rome! 👊#TeamOfUs pic.twitter.com/8PWNhcT0n8

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) March 15, 2025

England Prepare for Wales Clash

England  Captain Maro Itoje emphasized the importance of starting strong against Wales, citing the need for an aggressive approach. “Whenever you play Wales, but particularly in Cardiff, you need to be aggressive,” Itoje said. The experienced lock, with 92 England caps to his name, drew on his past experiences playing in Cardiff, acknowledging that the atmosphere can be intense but not intimidating.

Itoje reflected on his previous performances in Cardiff, saying, “The atmosphere is obviously great, it is a stadium you want to play in and I don't see it as intimidating at all. I have played very badly in Cardiff. I have played well in Cardiff, so I draw on all of those experiences.” This experience will be crucial as England face a Wales side looking to end a 16-Test losing streak.

Saturday's match will mark Matt Sherratt's third and final outing as caretaker Wales boss, following his mid-tournament appointment after Warren Gatland's second stint in charge came to an end.