A last-minute drop goal spoiled Ireland’s Six Nations party on Saturday. Substitute Marcus Smith chased the rugby ball through the goalposts from close range as time expired for a 23:22 victory, thus preventing the Irish from defending their title early in front of 75,000 fans at London’s Twickenham Stadium.
After Scotland’s surprising 29:31 defeat against Italy in Rome in the afternoon, a win would have been enough for Ireland. At half-time, the world number two were still leading 12:8, later increasing it to 17:8, before England turned the game around with one of their best performances in years. The lead changed five times in this rugby thriller.
The decision about victory in the 2024 Six Nations will be made next week when Ireland host Scotland in Dublin and England travel to Paris to face France.
Six Nations 2024
A bonus point for four or more tries or if you lose by seven or fewer points
Schedule: 02.02. France Ireland 17:38 03.02. Italy England 24:27 Wales Scotland 26:27 10.02. Scotland France 16:20 England Wales 16:14 11.02. Ireland Italy 36:0 24.02. Ireland Wales 31:7 Scotland England 30:21 25.02. France Italy 13:13 09.03. Italy Scotland 31:29 England Ireland 23:22 10.03. Wales France 4:00 p.m. 16.03. Wales Italy 3:15 p.m. Ireland Scotland 5:45 p.m. France England 9:00 p.m
All times in CET
2024-03-09 19:31:28
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