Ireland Eyeing Three-Peat After Retaining Six Nations Title
Ireland recently secured back-to-back Six Nations titles, but there must have been a tinge of regret with how things went.
They missed a glorious opportunity to clinch a Grand Slam due to a last-gasp defeat against England at Twickenham.
However, Ireland bounced back to clinch the championship against a spirited Scotland side. The question now is can they achieve a three-peat in 2025?
Ireland do Enough to Clinch the Title
Ireland started the 2024 Six Nations tournament as the bookmakers’ favourites after claiming the prize last year, and they showed their pedigree in the opening round.
They dominated France to claim a 38-17 victory in Marseille. It proved they were ready to move past the Johnny Sexton era and a Grand Slam looked to be on the cards.
Ireland did not let up in the second round, hounding Italy from start to finish on the way to a 36-0 in Dublin. Dan Sheehan (2) and Jack Crowley delivered tries again as Ireland shot to the top of the table.
Jack Conan, James Lowe and Calvin Nash also scored to send Ireland on their way to a flawless victory. The only blemish on an otherwise perfect outing was a second-half injury to Hugo Keenan.
Andy Farell’s side returned to home soil for their clash with Wales, and they produced a clinical display against Warren Gatland’s side.
Ireland ran out 31-7 victors, with Sheehan, Lowe and Ciaran Frawley scoring tries. Frawley finished with a 100% record from his boots.
While it was a comfortable victory, Keenan’s absence was telling as the team lacked its usual fluidity in attack, failing to reach the lofty heights of first two performances.
The slight dip in form continued against England, as they pounced to grab a hard-fought 23-22 win via Marcus Smith’s drop goal.
Crowley had scored three penalties while Lowe was equally impressive, but it was not enough to keep a spirited England side down.
They produced the best rugby they had played in years to claim a deserved victory against their rivals, although it is worth noting that Ireland were not at the top of their game.
Despite the setback, Ireland steadied themselves and secured a second consecutive title against Scotland in the final round, claiming a 17-13 win.
Sheehan and Andrew Porter delivered the tries, and Crowley’s boots were on fire as they claimed back-to-back championships for the first time since 2014 and 2015.
Ireland Aiming to Make it Three-in-a-Row
There are plenty of unanswered questions for Ireland ahead of next year’s Six Nations.
Skipper Peter O’Mahony could retire, leaving a massive hole in the team. His experience and leadership will be sorely missed.
The departure of Farell, who has accepted the head coach role for the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour of Australia, brings another unknown.
However, it is not all doom and gloom. The core of the team that achieved back-to-back titles remains intact. Sheehan, Crowley and Tadhg Beirne have established themselves as world-class talents and will be crucial going forward.
Leading bookmakers believe Ireland will get the job done, installing them as favourites to complete a three-timer in 2025.
Punters across the Emerald Isle will back their team to go all the way having wagered heavily on them achieving the feat this year.
The best betting apps in Ireland rate them as 5/4 shots to secure a three-peat and it would be a brave move to wager against them.
Ireland kick-off their title defence with a home game against England on Saturday, February 1, before taking on Scotland at Murrayfield eight days later.
Fixtures against Wales (A), France (H) and Italy (A) complete what looks be a favourable Six Nations schedule for Ireland.
Six Nations 2025 Schedule
Round 1
• Friday, January 31: France vs Wales (8.15 pm).
• Saturday, February 1: Scotland vs Italy (2.15 pm), Ireland vs England (4.45 pm),
Round 2
• Saturday, February 8: Italy vs Wales (2.15 pm), England vs France (4.45 pm).
• Sunday, February 9: Scotland vs Ireland (3.00 pm).
Round 3
• Saturday, February 22: Wales vs Ireland (2.15 pm) England vs Scotland (4.45 pm).
• Sunday, February 23: Italy vs France (3.00 pm).
Round 4
• Saturday, March 8: Ireland vs France (2.15 pm), Scotland vs Wales (4.45 pm)
• Sunday, March 9: England vs Italy (3.00 pm)
Round 5
• Saturday, March 15: Italy vs Ireland (2.15 pm), Wales vs England (4.45 pm), France vs Scotland (8.00 pm)