When is the match taking place?
The final match of the Six Nations, featuring Ireland against Scotland, is scheduled for Saturday, March 16th. The game will commence at 4:45 pm at the Aviva Stadium.
Where can it be viewed?
The match will be televised by Virgin Media, with coverage beginning at 4 pm. Live commentary will be available on RTÉ Radio and The Irish Times’ liveblog, starting from 2:45 pm.
Grand Slam chances?
The chances of Ireland achieving back-to-back Grand Slams have been dashed. A formidable English team thwarted their chances during the previous game at Twickenham. However, Ireland remains the frontrunner for the Six Nations title. With 16 points in its kitty, four more than England, a draw would see Ireland clinch the crown; victory assures it.
Even if Ireland loses, gaining two bonus points – one for loss by fewer than seven points and another for scoring four tries – ensures them the championship. With a significant point difference of +80, a single bonus point on defeat could virtually cement their title prospects.
Form overview
Both Ireland and Scotland are recovering from surprising losses – Ireland to England in Twickenham and Scotland to Italy in Rome. Who among the two can rebound stronger remains to be seen. Both England and Italy demonstrated commendable gameplay in their last matches. However, Scotland’s loss to Italy is speculated to be a more damaging blow mentally.
Reflecting on Ireland and Scotland’s past face-offs, Ireland emerged as the clear victors in their last World Cup encounter. The Irish team has sustained a winning streak against Scotland since 2017, spanning nine matches, two of which were in the World Cup.
Team updates
Ireland awaits updates on the health of Calvin Nash and Ciarán Frawley, who both sustained injuries in the encounter against England. If Nash does not recover, the team has limited back-three options due to additional injuries. Garry Ringrose might return to play on the right wing. Other potential replacements include Jordan Larmour, who hasn’t played for Ireland since 2021, and Jacob Stockdale, primarily a left wing.
In anticipation of the forthcoming weekend, there have already been several changes in the Scottish squad. Coach Gergor Townsend has dispatched Glen Young and Hamish Watson back to their home-side, Edinburgh, on top of Jamie Bhatti, who is making his way back to Glasgow Warriors.
Ally Miller from Glasgow has been summoned to join the team, and both Max Williamson plus Alex Samuel have been incorporated into the broader group.