England denied unlikely Six Nations title as Ireland hold off spirited Scotland to win

England denied unlikely Six Nations title as Ireland hold off spirited Scotland to win

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Stuart Ballard

By Stuart Ballard


Published: 16/03/2024

- 19:08

Updated: 16/03/2024

- 20:58

Ireland have retained the Six Nations title after defeating Scotland 17-13.

England's slim hopes of winning the Six Nations title were dashed before their game against France after Ireland defeated Scotland to retain their crown.

England's only chance of winning the Six Nations relied on Ireland losing to Scotland and failing to pick up a bonus point.


There were some clear nerves in Dublin with Ireland holding a one-point lead at the break.

Ireland's nerves only increased when tries from both Tadhg Furlong and Robbie Henshaw were ruled out.

Ireland have retained the Six Nations

Ireland have retained the Six Nations

GETTY

But Ewan Ashman's sin bin proved fatal for Scotland with Andrew Porter scoring what proved to be the tournament-winning try.

Ireland took a tap-and-go penalty with Ronan Kelleher playing the ball out the back before Porter found himself in free space to sprint over the line.

It appeared to be just rewards for Ireland's perseverance in looking for their second try of the game.

But there was still time for a nervy finish when Huw Jones crossed over for a Scotland try to close back within four points.

It proved to be too little too late with Ireland able to hold on to become Six Nations champions for the second consecutive year.

Porter paid tribute to Scotland for pushing them all the way in an entertaining match.

"Scotland are a team that always stick in there. You could see that in the last few minutes there, we were on the edge of our seats, credit to them," he said.

"They were a tough team to break down, their defence put it up to us.

"You just got to keep backing yourself and that's what we did. Pleased with the back-to-back championships."

Scotland threatened a comeback

Scotland threatened a comeback

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Peter O'Mahony, who is only one of a few to make over 100 caps for Ireland, led the trophy celebrations after the match.

And the 34-year-old hinted that he might go out on a high when asked whether the game against Scotland was his last for his country.

"I don't know. If it was my last one, it was a pretty good one," he said.

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Peter O'Mahony hinted at retirement

Peter O'Mahony hinted at retirement

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"Thankfully we went out and did it against a good team. We showed grit, ambition with the ball, and I thought we played some good rugby.

"We spoke about getting stuck in, and put a lot of work in their legs. I thought the 10 minutes after half-time was really impressive.

"It's a huge honour every time you get selected to play for your country."

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