IRELAND CLAIMED THEIR second consecutive Six Nations title today after a thrilling final day in the Championship when four teams began with hope of winning the trophy.
Joe Schmidt’s side defeated Scotland 10 – 40 in Murrayfield, a scoreline that was enough to push Wales off top spot after they had routed Italy 20 – 61 in Rome.
The 30-point margin of victory, in what may prove to be captain Paul O’Connell’s final appearance in the tournament, meant England kicked off against France knowing that they would need to beat Les Bleus by 26 clear points.
However, as Irish crowds gathered at home and in Edinburgh to watch a dramatic contest in Twickenham, the World Cup hosts fell just short of that target, instead forced to settle for a brilliant 55 – 35 victory, six points shy of the margin needed.
The Championship win is the second in Schmidt’s two years in charge, and the victories over Italy, England and France before today have paved the way for Ireland’s back-to-back titles since 1948-49.
