Ireland vs Scotland – Quest for Six Nations Championship

Ireland vs Scotland, will History Repeat Itself? Ireland Favoured to Crush Scotland’s Six Nations Dreams!

Ireland’s quest for back-to-back Six Nations titles may be over, but their fight for the championship crown remains very much alive. They face Scotland this Saturday, March 16th, in a winner-takes-all clash at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Kick-off is set for 4:45 PM GMT.

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A Shot at Redemption

The Irish squad will be looking to bounce back from their heartbreaking 23-22 loss to England last weekend. Coach Andy Farrell acknowledged the disappointment but praised his team’s resilience. “We’ll come into work on Monday ready to fight,” he declared, emphasising their focus on securing the championship.

Scotland, on the other hand, suffered a shocking 31-29 defeat to Italy, a result that saw them squander a comfortable lead. Coach Gregor Townsend and former player Peter Wright both criticised the team’s lack of discipline and responsibility.

How To Watch Ireland Vs Scotland Six Nations Clash?

Irish fans can catch the action live on Virgin Media, with coverage starting at 4 PM. RTÉ Radio will also offer live commentary, while The Irish Times will host a live blog kicking off at 2:45 PM.

What’s at Stake?

Despite losing the Grand Slam opportunity, Ireland remains the favourite to lift the Six Nations trophy. They currently sit atop the table with 16 points, four clear of England. A simple draw will be enough to secure the title, while a win would be even sweeter.

However, even a loss with two bonus points (awarded for a close defeat and scoring four tries) would almost guarantee them the championship. Given Ireland’s significant points differential, even one losing bonus point seems likely.

Recent Form and History

Both sides are coming off unexpected losses. However, Ireland boasts a strong recent record against Scotland. They haven’t lost to their rivals since 2017, winning the last nine encounters including two World Cup matches.

Injury Concerns and Team News

Ireland is awaiting updates on the fitness of Calvin Nash and Ciarán Frawley, who both sustained injuries against England. If Nash isn’t available, Garry Ringrose might be able to play on the right wing again.

Scotland has made some changes, releasing Glen Young, Hamish Watson, and Jamie Bhatti back to their clubs. In addition to Alex Samuel and Max Williamson, Ally Miller has been called up to the team.

Odds and Predictions for Ireland vs Scotland

Ireland is heavily favoured to win, with odds at 1/7. Scotland sits at a distant 15/2, while a draw is considered highly unlikely at 40/1 (odds correct as of March 11th).

With so much on the line, this showdown seems like it will be thrilling. Can Ireland overcome their recent setback and secure the Six Nations title, or will Scotland pull off a major upset? Tune in on Saturday to find out!