Ireland begun the final day of the 2026 Six Nations in style with a thrilling, and ultimately convincing, win over Scotland in Dublin to keep their title hopes alive.
With France not in action until later, the winner at the Aviva Stadium knew they would go top of the table and put the pressure on Les Bleus ahead of their encounter with England tonight. It was Ireland who seized the opportunity by claiming a 43-21 win that means France needs three match points – either a victory or a draw with a four-try bonus point – against Steve Borthwick’s side to defend their title in this unpredictable championship.
Scotland had turned the tournament on its head with an epic 50-40 win over the French at Murrayfield last weekend, building belief that a first title in the Six Nations era could be within reach but their dismal record against Ireland in the Gregor Townsend continued with a 12th straight loss to the men in green. The Irish proved too strong as tries from Dan Sheehan, Jamie Osborne and Robert Baloucoune helped them build a 19-7 half-time lead.
The Scots twice got back within a score thanks to Finn Russell and Rory Darge crossing the whitewash but the hosts were able to pull away as Six Nations debutant Darragh Murray plunged over and Tommy O’Brien grabbed himself two late tries to leave Farrell’s side now anxiously watching what happens at the Stade de France this evening.
Relive all the action with our live blog below:
Ireland vs Scotland live
- Ireland beat Scotland 43-21 to kick off Six Nations 'Super Saturday' and keep title hopes alive
- Ireland go top of the table and now hope England can do them a favour against France to snatch the title from Les Bleus
- 80' - TRY! O'Brien scores with the final play to rubber-stamp victory for Ireland (IRE 43-21 SCO)
- 56' - TRY! Murray crashes over to extend lead (IRE 26-14 SCO)
- 20' - TRY Brilliant Baloucoune finish after good work from McCloskey extends Irish advantage (IRE 19-7 SCO)
Ireland keep pressure on France with bonus-point win over Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 16:45 , Chris WilsonIreland claimed a fourth Triple Crown in five years and kept themselves in contention for Guinness Six Nations glory by crushing Scotland’s quest for history with a gripping 43-21 bonus-point win in Dublin.
Gregor Townsend’s side began “Super Saturday” dreaming of a maiden Six Nations title and the minimum of a first Triple Crown in 36 years.
But Ireland continued their remarkable decade-long dominance of the fixture with a 12th consecutive victory over the Scots to move top of the championship table for the time being at least.
Andy Farrell’s men – Six Nations champions in 2023 and 2024 – now require England to beat France in Paris in order to reclaim the ultimate prize and launch a St Patrick’s weekend party.
Ireland keep pressure on France with bonus-point win over Scotland
Follow today's Six Nations fixtures
Saturday 14 March 2026 16:38 , Chris WilsonAttention quickly turns to the other Six Nations fixtures of the day.
The Independent has live blogs for both of the remaining games, starting with Wales vs Italy, which you can follow live here.
Farrell: 'The bench was immense'
Saturday 14 March 2026 16:41 , Chris WilsonHere’s what Ireland coach Andy Farrell had to say after the win
“The performance is one thing, it's the manner of it of the personnel that did it. There is a lot of firsts for us this time round, first caps and people playing in the Six Nations for the first time and playing in Super Saturday when it counts for the first time and all those things are going to stand for us in the long run."
On McCloskey being nominated for player of the tournament, he says: “He has to be doesn't he? The Irish fridge! He's immense. It's huge for Stu, he has bided his time all these years and what he has done is immense, the quality of performance he has done, I don't know when Stu last played five on the bounce for us and performed like that. It's magnificent what he's done."
“I thought the bench was immense. Nick Timoney came on and was unbelievable and the experienced guys have passed on what it means to be an international player and the rest are benefitting from it."
On their title hopes, he adds: “C'mon England and all of that, but, listen we are proud of how we have performed when we've had to and that's five trophies in five years for us. I know it's a Triple Crown but it's hard to win over the years for Ireland and we're proud of that."
Tuipulotu: 'Ireland were too good today'
Saturday 14 March 2026 16:31 , Chris WilsonHere’s what Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu had to say at full-time:
"I'm gutted. We really set our sights on coming here and getting a result, but Ireland were too good today.
"[Collisions] are where it was won and lost. I'm proud of the way we stuck in it, but we can't make the errors we did.
"I think we've made progression, but we want to be where these guys are with a trophy.
"We were physically prepared, it's on us as players."
Baloucoune named Six Nations' rising star
Saturday 14 March 2026 16:28 , Chris WilsonRobert Baloucoune has been named the Six Nations' rising star, and this is what he had to say to ITV:
"It's probably something I didn't think would happen. At 28 I think I'm a bit old to be getting named a rising star. You have to put your best foot forward and take your opportunity."
What do Ireland need in Paris?
Saturday 14 March 2026 16:25 , Chris WilsonA bonus-point win for Ireland means any England victory gives them the Six Nations title.
A France win would see Les Bleus retain the championship, while a bonus-point draw still gives them the title.
However, a tie with no try bonus also means Ireland would be crowned champions!
FULL-TIME! Ireland 43-21 Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 16:19 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME! Ireland 43-21 Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 16:14 , Chris WilsonDoris goes on to lift the Triple Crown trophy in the middle of the pitch at the Aviva Stadium.
It’s a fourth Triple Crown for the team in five years!
FULL-TIME! Ireland 43-21 Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 16:09 , Chris WilsonCaelan Doris had the following to say after that Triple Crown win:
“I think we asked for a big performance, and they stood up. Beirne was unbelievable. It certainly came in waves, but our defence stood up.
“There were calm heads in there. It felt quite composed out there, it was good.
“We’ve shown the depth in the squad, so long may it continue.
“It’s a rare day to be cheering them [England] on, but we’ll see what happens and we’ll sit back and cheer them on!” he adds on the game later between England and France.
FULL-TIME! Ireland 43-21 Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 16:05 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME! Ireland 43-21 Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 16:01 , Chris WilsonThat’s the final action of the game for these sides and it brings the curtain down on a thrilling match in Dublin!
A superb game at the Aviva and it ends with Ireland winning the Triple Crown.
It may even get better for the hosts this evening – attention turns to Paris as Ireland need a favour from England!
TRY! Ireland 43-21 Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 15:59 , Chris Wilson80 mins
TRY! That one seals it!
Tuipulotu spills it in midfield and McCloskey chucks an offload over the top to O'Brien, who has the pace to beat the challenge and go over for another five points.
The conversion is landed and that seals the Triple Crown for the hosts!
Ireland 36-21 Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 15:57 , Chris Wilson78 mins
Jordan is taken into touch for an Ireland lineout. That should be that!
Ireland 36-21 Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 15:56 , Chris Wilson77 mins
So much pressure from Scotland, who are camped in the Ireland half as they move through the phases.
Russell thinks he sees a gap but he’s taken down within the five-metre line!
And then a huge moment from Beirne to steal the ball and win a penalty!
Ireland 36-21 Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 15:53 , Chris Wilson74 mins
Interest remains here as the hosts give away a penalty from the kick-off!
The visitors win the lineout and take another penalty advantage...
PENALTY! Ireland 36-21 Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 15:52 , Chris WilsonA simple kick for the hosts and they move 15 points clear!
Ireland 33-21 Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 15:51 , Chris Wilson71 mins
Steyn hits Crowley in the air and concedes a penalty, though he avoids a yellow.
Ireland then win the throw and work it wide, before winning a penalty. They point to the posts and will go for three!
TRY! Ireland 33-21 Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 15:48 , Chris Wilson68 mins
TRY! Does that seal it for the hosts?
More inventive attacking play, with the hosts working it through the phases before Frawley lures the defender in and slips it to O’Brien, who has all the space in the world to race clear and cross.
Crowley slots the conversion and the hosts have breathing space.
Ireland 26-21 Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 15:46 , Chris Wilson67 mins
Kinghorn collects the kick well but the first Scottish kick is charged down before Ireland collect Russell’s effort and they’re back on the attack.
Ireland 26-21 Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 15:44 , Chris Wilson64 mins
Huw Jones spills the kick-off to let Ireland in but the visitors are onto Gibson-Park quickly and they win a scrum for a knock-on!
Scotland on their own 22 now as Rowe kicks away.
There have been changes for both sides. Timoney and Murray replaced van der Flier and Beirne for the hosts earlier.
Rowe and Horne are on for Graham and White for the Scots.
TRY! Ireland 26-21 Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 15:37 , Chris Wilson61 mins
TRY! Rory Darge is over this time!
This one had everything! Running, offloads, some lovely passing – and Gilchrist slips a brilliant final pass for Darge to go over unchallenged!
The conversion is slotted and the visitors are within five again!
Ireland 26-14 Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 15:36 , Chris Wilson59 mins
Lovely running from Scotland as they look to fight back!
It all starts with Steyn, who makes up so much ground to bring his side into the Ireland 22.
The visitors work it wide but Kinghorn is closed down before he can put Graham through.
TRY! Ireland 26-14 Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 15:33 , Chris Wilson57 mins
TRY! They do hit back!
Darragh Murray bundles over from close range for a try on his debut! That could be the bonus point for Ireland!
Crowley slots the conversion for maximum points.
Ireland 19-14 Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 15:32 , Chris Wilson56 mins
Can Ireland hit back immediately?
It’s certainly a good response, 10 phases coming as they move deep inot the 22.
Gibson-Park is almost through as he dummies and darts in...
TRY! Ireland 19-14 Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 15:29 , Chris Wilson53 mins
TRY! Scotland are back in it!
The tap-and-go is led by Ashman, but Ireland hold firm for now.
Several phases from the forwards before Tuipulotu is also stopped.
Into the 10th phase as it goes wide to Russell...and he finishes!
He dummies the pass wide and then bursts through the tackle to touch down.
He then splits the posts with a brilliant conversion.
Ireland 19-7 Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 15:26 , Chris Wilson51 mins
Scotland take the lineout but nothing comes from the maul. A few phases come courtesy of the forwards, before the visitors win a penalty. They’re going to opt to tap and go!
Meanwhile, Beirne is assessed for some bleeding on the head.
Ireland 19-7 Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 15:24 , Chris Wilson50 mins
Possession is exchanged with a few kicks before some lovely running from Graham, darting between two tackles and evading another before Scotland win a penalty.
It’s a high tackle from Doris, but no extra punishment as the visitors take a lineout within scoring distance.
Ireland 19-7 Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 15:21 , Chris Wilson46 mins
Graham and Dempsey combine for a successful kick chase and the visitors stay in possession as they cross halfway.
A couple of good phases as they break the gain line, White sneaking through...
But Ireland steal it on their 22! Tadhg Beirne with a great steal in the ruck, and the hosts kick to touch near halfway.
Ireland 19-7 Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 15:18 , Chris Wilson43 mins
More scrappy play, this time from Ireland after a knock on and a push.
Penalty for Scotland and Russell finds touch near halfway.
KICK-OFF! Ireland 19-7 Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 15:17 , Chris WilsonBack underway in Dublin!
Ireland claim the kick-off and a knock on means Ireland will win a scrum just inside the Scottish half.
HALF-TIME! Ireland 19-7 Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 15:12 , Chris WilsonIt’s been a fascinating opening half in Dublin, and while it certainly slowed down after a brilliant start, it still makes for an intriguing watch.
Scotland know they have enough to get back into it but it just wasn’t clicking after that impressive first try.
Conversely, Ireland have been superb in attack and have defended resolutely when necessary.
The hosts have the advantage but this one is far from over.
HALF-TIME! Ireland 19-7 Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 15:08 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Ireland 19-7 Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 14:59 , Chris Wilson40 mins
An Ireland scrum as the clocks ticks into the red.
They win it and move it through the hands to the wing, before Scotland win a penalty.
Half-time in an enthralling Six Nations encounter in Dublin!
Ireland 19-7 Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 14:58 , Chris Wilson39 mins
A break in play as Ewan Ashman is receiving treatment, though he’s okay to carry on.
Play resumes and Scotland win a scrum near halfway, but the chance goes begging as they fumble it forward in the backline, Tuipulotu losing out this time.
Ireland 19-7 Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 14:53 , Chris Wilson37 mins
Almost a huge slice of luck for Scotland as Ireland fumble the ball in attack and space opens up for the kick chase.
Kinghorn gets there first as Baloucoune slips, but he can’t get clean contact with the attempted kick and the hosts regroup in defence.
Ireland 19-7 Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 14:52 , Chris Wilson35 mins
Scotland try and break near halfway but Kinghorn's pass to Steyn is forward, so the hosts win a scrum midway into the Scotland half.
Ireland 19-7 Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 14:50 , Chris Wilson33 mins
More great defence from the hosts as they win a penalty from the Scotland lineout!
Crowley tries to thread a kick through in the Scotland half but it falls nicely for Kinghorn and the visitors are back in possession, later benefitting from a fortunate kick chase that is knocked forward by Ireland.
Ireland 19-7 Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 14:47 , Chris Wilson29 mins
Ireland win the scrum and Gibson-Park boots it clear for a Scotland lineout around the 10m line.
Scotland on the attack again and they do well to win a lineout a few metres out as Russell’s clever kick is knocked out of play.
Ireland 19-7 Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 14:44 , Chris Wilson28 mins
Huge cheers from the home crowd as Scotland win a lineout just a few metres from the try line.
However, the hosts turn it over and Sheehan wins a scrum!
Ireland 19-7 Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 14:42 , Chris Wilson25 mins
Good hands from Ireland again but they lose it due to obstruction.
Scotland opt to kick clear but it’s superb work from Sheehan to keep it in play!
Ireland back in possession around halfway.
Ireland 19-7 Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 14:40 , Chris Wilson23 mins
What a start this has been at the Aviva. Ireland have just put themselves in control with that try.
A couple of good contests in the air as Ireland kick high, O'Brien gathering the second as the hosts move within the 10m line.
TRY! Ireland 19-7 Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 14:36 , Chris Wilson20 mins
Another great try for the hosts, Rob Baloucoune finishing this one.
Quick hands from the hosts as they suck in the visiting defenders, before it’s hurled wide to Baloucoune, who has the pace and the step to avoid Graham before finishing well in the corner.
Ireland 14-7 Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 14:33 , Chris Wilson18 mins
Cheers as Ireland win a free-kick from the scrum, and now George Turner is off for an HIA.
Ewan Ashman is on for now as the hosts put in for another scrum near the Scotland 22.
Ireland 14-7 Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 14:32 , Luke BakerThis has been a breathless start in Dublin
Ireland 14-7 Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 14:30 , Chris Wilson15 mins
Scotland try to hit back with a maul of their own but it’s not as effective, though they’ve shown plenty of patience before...
And Ireland steal it in their own 22!
A great tackle from McCloskey forces the turnover but Ringrose can’t break away, and the hosts settle for clearing it.
TRY! Ireland 14-7 Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 14:26 , Chris Wilson11 mins
Ireland hit back again! They make this one look simple, Sheehan taking the ball from the back of the maul before sneaking over from close range.
Another conversion and we’re at 14-7.
Ireland 7-7 Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 14:23 , Chris Wilson10 mins
Graham is penalised for offside and Crowley finds touch, taking his side five metres out with a lineout.
TRY! Ireland 7-7 Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 14:22 , Chris Wilson7 mins
Oh, what a try that is! 18 phases and Scotland are within touching distance again.
Great hands out of the ruck on that final phase, with Russell and Kinghorn showing superb decision-making and great hands to release Darcy Graham in the corner.
Russell slots a difficult conversion and we’re level!
Ireland 7-0 Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 14:20 , Chris Wilson6 mins
A quick start in Dublin as Scotland look to hit back. The visitors have edged into the Ireland 22 with some patient carrying from the forwards.
13 phases, 14...15 as Steyn is held up...
TRY! Ireland 7-0 Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 14:18 , Chris Wilson4 mins
There it is! The hosts hit first, a ruthless opening try as they run through a phase before Doris threads it through to Jamie Osborne, who goes down unchallenged under the posts.
Crowley lands the conversion for maximum points.
Ireland 0-0 Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 14:16 , Chris Wilson3 min
Scotland penalised in the scrum and Ireland kick for touch. This’ll be the first chance at a try today...
Ireland 0-0 Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 14:16 , Chris Wilson2 mins
The kick is collected by Scotland and Ben White clears.
The hosts come again, with the back line getting their hands on the ball for the first time, and while Crowley does well to break the gain line early on, he ends up knocking it forward in the tackle.
KICK-OFF! Ireland 0-0 Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 14:13 , Chris WilsonWe’re underway at the Aviva! Which of these sides will stake their claim for the Six Nations title today?
Ireland vs Scotland live
Saturday 14 March 2026 14:05 , Chris WilsonJust five minutes until kick-off in Dublin...what does this afternoon have in store for us?
Townsend: 'It’s always an opportunity'
Saturday 14 March 2026 14:00 , Chris Wilson“Did you put money on that?” jokes Gregor Townsend as he’s told Scotland’s odds of winning this tournament were 100/1 at one point.
“I don’t think we’d have imagined ourselves in this position after Rome. But what we’ve been working on, we needed more opportunity to deliver it,” he explains.
“It’s another game. We understand it’s always an opportunity, it’s our last in this Six Nations. The momentum we’re building, we want to make the most if it.
“Contact will be hugely competitive on both sides of the ball. They’re an attacking team, but they also make use of the kicking game.
“Trust our players to go out and play. We want to be ourselves today,” he adds as he finishes.
Ireland vs Scotland match officials
Saturday 14 March 2026 13:55 , Harry Latham-CoyleReferee: Luke Pearce (Eng)
Assistant Referees: Angus Gardner (Aus) & Damian Schneider (Arg)
Television Match Official: Andrew Jackson (Eng)
Foul Play Review Officer: Ian Tempest (Eng)
Six Nations title permutations: What do France, Scotland and Ireland need to win championship?
Saturday 14 March 2026 13:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleWith kick off fast approaching in Dublin, here is a reminder of those pesky permutations.
Six Nations title permutations: How France, Scotland and Ireland can win championship
Can Scotland get after Ireland's scrum?
Saturday 14 March 2026 13:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleIreland’s scrum has struggled at times in this tournament, with the loss of Jeremy Loughman to injury further harming their threadbare loosehead stocks. Tom O’Toole deserves immense credit for switching sides effectively in this campaign, but he is a tighthead by trade - Scotland will surely feel they can get after their opposition in that area.
Tadhg Furlong is probably in need of a return to form, too. The image of him gamely trying to keep up with Rhys Carre in wide channels showed that the athleticism of his youth had waned, somewhat, and the prop will be tested in set-piece skirmish by Pierre Schoeman.
From earlier in the tournament, here is an in-depth look at what has gone wrong with Ireland’s scrum.
What is wrong with Ireland’s scrum and how can England exploit it?
A tasty tussle at 12
Saturday 14 March 2026 13:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleStuart McCloskey has been one of Ireland’s best in this campaign, really emerging from the shadow of Bundee Aki and Robbie Henshaw to make that No 12 shirt his own. His offloading game has added a necessary dimension to the Irish attack, but McCloskey today faces one of the very best multifaceted centres in Sione Tuipulotu.
Three Scottish scores last week came directly from variations of a strike move around Tuipulotu. His pull-back pass to Finn Russell set up Darcy Graham’s opener, before Tuipulotu carried himself in the lead up to Pierre Schoeman’s try, and finally his deft hands put Tom Jordan under the posts on the short line beside him. Incisive, inventive rugby - the kind Scotland will need this afternoon.
Team news - Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 13:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleZander Fagerson returns to the starting Scotland side having been used effectively off the bench against France. Both Scott Cummings and Gregor Brown are ruled out due to injury, necessitating a new second row: Grant Gilchrist provides veteran nous alongside Max Williamson.
Kyle Steyn has overcome the gash to his leg suffered last week, and takes up his place in an unchanged backline. Kyle Rowe provides extra wing and full-back cover from the bench.
Scotland XV: 1 Pierre Schoeman, 2 George Turner, 3 Zander Fagerson; 4 Max Williamson, 5 Grant Gilchrist; 6 Matt Fagerson, 7 Rory Darge, 8 Jack Dempsey; 9 Ben White, 10 Finn Russell; 11 Kyle Steyn, 12 Sione Tuipulotu (capt.), 13 Huw Jones, 14 Darcy Graham; 15 Blair Kinghorn.
Replacements: 16 Ewan Ashman, 17 Rory Sutherland, 18 D’Arcy Rae, 19 Alex Craig, 20 Magnus Bradbury; 21 George Horne, 22 Kyle Rowe, 23 Tom Jordan.
Team news - Ireland
Saturday 14 March 2026 13:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleDan Sheehan, Joe McCarthy and Josh van der Flier are restored to the starting Ireland forward pack as Andy Farrell goes back to some tried and trusted combinations. Tommy O’Brien, so impressive off the bench against England, is preferred to Jacob Stockdale on the left wing, while Tom O’Toole continues at loosehead prop.
Among the replacements, Bundee Aki is in line for his first appearance of the campaign following suspension, while Connacht lock Darragh Murray is primed for a Six Nations debut after James Ryan’s calf injury.
Ireland XV: 1 Tom O’Toole, 2 Dan Sheehan, 3 Tadhg Furlong; 4 Joe McCarthy, 5 Tadhg Beirne; 6 Jack Conan, 7 Josh van der Flier, 8 Caelan Doris (capt.); 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 10 Jack Crowley; 11 Tommy O’Brien, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 13 Garry Ringrose, 14 Robert Baloucoune; 15 Jamie Osborne.
Replacements: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Michael Milne, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 Darragh Murray, 20 Nick Timoney; 21 Craig Casey, 22 Ciaran Frawley, 23 Bundee Aki.
Team news....
Saturday 14 March 2026 13:07 , Harry Latham-CoyleRight, kick off is rapidly racing into view in Dublin as “Super Saturday” gets underway - let’s take a closer look at the two teams...
Finn Russell says Six Nations glory with Scotland would be peak of his career
Saturday 14 March 2026 12:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleFinn Russell admitted to The Independent last year that he had not backed up his talent with the trophies he desired across his career; since then, he’s won a treble with Bath and steered the British and Irish Lions to series victory. A Six Nations success would stand above those achievements, though.
Finn Russell says Six Nations glory with Scotland would be peak of his career
Andy Farrell responds to Darcy Graham's claim that Ireland are 'there for the taking'
Saturday 14 March 2026 12:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleAndy Farrell says Scotland wing Darcy Graham is entitled to think Ireland are "there for the taking" ahead of the crunch clash in Dublin.
The Scots travel to Aviva Stadium chasing a first Triple Crown in 36 years to remain in contention for a maiden Guinness Six Nations title on the back of a thumping 50-40 round-four victory over France.
Ireland, who have won the last 11 meetings between the sides dating back to 2017, also go into the final-day shootout with aspirations of the Triple Crown and potential championship glory.
Edinburgh player Graham made headlines earlier this week by claiming the hosts are "there for the taking" and have "probably not been firing as well as they have in previous campaigns".
Ireland head coach Farrell, who called up the 28-year-old as an injury replacement during last year's British and Irish Lions tour, offered a diplomatic response, saying: "He's entitled to his opinion first and foremost.
"He's a great lad, Darcy, actually. Obviously, I got to know him in the Lions, so it's how he feels and obviously how the squad feels, and rightly so, in my opinion.
"They were outstanding last week against France and we've been preparing for another Scottish performance like that.
"We know that we'll have to be at our best to beat them as they're a side that we've always respected."
Ireland have ‘good edge’ ahead of three-way shootout for Six Nations title
Saturday 14 March 2026 12:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleAssistant coach Andrew Goodman says there is an extra edge in Ireland's camp ahead of a potential Six Nations title decider against Scotland.
Andy Farrell's squad spent last Saturday afternoon cheering on the Scots to a dramatic 50-40 success over France which ensured the battle for championship glory would go down to a three-way shootout on the final day.
With the Triple Crown also on the line in Dublin, Ireland must beat title rivals Scotland and then hope table-topping France slip up at home to England.
Ireland have ‘good edge’ ahead of three-way shootout for Six Nations title
Rory Darge confident Scotland can handle pressure of Six Nations showdown with Ireland
Saturday 14 March 2026 12:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleRory Darge believes Scotland are primed for the pressure of 'Super Saturday' after showing they can handle playing must-win rugby since losing their Six Nations opener in Italy.
Gregor Townsend's resurgent side go into their final match in Ireland knowing victory could secure them a first Six Nations title, if France slip up at home to England later in the day.
The Scots have kept their championship hopes alive with consecutive victories over England, Wales and France, and Darge is adamant those experiences will stand them in good stead for what promises to be a dramatic day.
Darge confident Scotland can handle pressure of Six Nations showdown with Ireland
Scotland replacements backed to perform in tight Six Nations finale
Saturday 14 March 2026 12:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleLee Radford has no concerns about Scotland's ability to cope without their first-choice second-row pairing as they bid to land a first Six Nations title this weekend.
Gregor Brown and Scott Cummings have both been ruled out of Saturday's showdown with title rivals Ireland in Dublin after sustaining hamstring and calf injuries respectively in Saturday's exhilarating 50-40 triumph over France.
Max Williamson and Grant Gilchrist step in for the high-stakes encounter at the Aviva Stadium.
Scotland replacements backed to perform in tight Six Nations finale
Six Nations trophy retired after fire causes severe damage
Saturday 14 March 2026 12:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleWe do not know which of our three title hopefuls will get their hands on silverware later, with the job of arranging two presentations in Paris and Dublin made tougher by the loss of one of a pair of identical trophies in a van fire earlier in the tournament.
Six Nations trophy to be retired after fire causes severe damage
Gregor Townsend admits Scotland’s Six Nations title ‘out of our hands’ ahead of Ireland showdown
Saturday 14 March 2026 11:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleGregor Townsend has downplayed talk of Scotland's maiden Guinness Six Nations title, emphasising the significant challenge that still lies ahead for his squad.
As 'Super Saturday' approaches, Scotland finds itself among three nations vying for the championship, alongside current leaders France and their upcoming opponents, Ireland.
For Scotland to make history, they must secure more match points in their Dublin clash than Les Bleus manage against England in the later kick-off in Paris.
Six Nations title ‘out of Scotland’s hands’ ahead of Ireland finale
Scotland have proved everyone wrong – but Six Nations title fate rests on biggest question of all
Saturday 14 March 2026 11:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleIs this Scotland’s year? Perhaps never before has that familiar question been asked with greater hope after Gregor Townsend’s side finally fulfilled their promise to challenge for the title. There is one significant hurdle left to clear, though....
Scotland have proved everyone wrong – but title fate rests on biggest question of all
Zander Fagerson returns to Scotland starting side for Six Nations showdown with Ireland
Saturday 14 March 2026 11:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleInjury, meanwhile, has struck down the Scottish second row - but Zander Fagerson is back in the starting side on the tighthead.
Zander Fagerson returns to Scotland starting side for Six Nations showdown
Ireland bring back big guns for Six Nations title tilt against Scotland
Saturday 14 March 2026 11:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleIreland have plenty of experience on which to draw, with Andy Farrell recalling a number of his regular forward starters as they target the title.
Ireland bring back big guns for Six Nations title tilt against Scotland
Six Nations title permutations: What do France, Scotland and Ireland need to win championship?
Saturday 14 March 2026 11:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt could be a dramatic day to conclude an action-packed Six Nations, with our tournament victor not known until after 11pm local time in Paris. Here are all the permutations you need to consider:
Six Nations title permutations: How France, Scotland and Ireland can win championship
Ireland vs Scotland live
Wednesday 11 March 2026 13:12 , Harry Latham-CoyleWell, isn’t this rather tasty? Ireland and Scotland meet in Dublin on Six Nations “Super Saturday” with a title (maybe) on the line, with the winner vaulting to the top of the table and putting all sorts of pressure on France ahead of their meeting with England later. Is it finally Scotland’s year? Or is another Irish triumph on the cards?
Kick off at the Aviva Stadium is at 2.10pm GMT.
