Ireland legend predicts Six Nations champion as fans in for ‘some day’ at the Aviva Stadium
France, Scotland and Ireland will battle it out for the trophy on the final day of the Six Nations, with each side knowing what is needed for them to secure the title.
Gregor Townsend's side’s emphatic victory over Les Bleus in Murrayfield has blown the championship wide open after many expected it to be a procession to the title for Fabian Galthie’s side after their opening performance over Ireland.
Andy Farrell’s side have also managed to claw their way back into contention for the title, despite having looked a shadow of the team Irish fans had got used to watching in the last few seasons.
However, their incredible 42-21 win at Twickenham brought fresh hope that they could achieve something unlikely in this year’s competition.
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Both Ireland and Scotland will be hoping for an English victory in the final game against France to give them any chance of emerging as champions because the two Celtic nations square off knowing a loss for either extinguishes any faint chance they have.
Former Ireland star Tony Ward has given his perspective on who he believes will win the 2026 Six Nations, as he expressed his thoughts regarding the final weekend of the competition in his column for the Irish Independent.
He said: “Their [Scottish] fans will be salivating at the prospect of ending their ‘Dublin hoodoo’ after 16 years.
“We are in for some finale to this Six Nations tournament, with last Saturday’s win for Scotland over the French gripping from first minute to last. And while we won’t lose the run of ourselves, the manner of our win over the English wasn’t all that far away.
“A campaign that started on an absolute downer has moved on to another level.
“I still think the French have what it takes to seal the 2026 championship on their home patch – but with the Triple Crown on the line here in Dublin, we’re in for some day at the Aviva, regardless.
“Prepare for lift-off.”
Meanwhile, there was a confidence in the Virgin Media studio that Ireland would ruin any Scottish hopes of lifting the Six Nations in Dublin, with Ian Madigan particularly assured Farrell’s side can get the job done.
He said: “Oh, I still fancy our chances. I think our record over the last 11 or 12 games speaks for itself.
“They talked themselves up back in the 2023 World Cup. We put out our best side against them and blew them away.
“They’ve had lots of opportunities. You think back to when we had the injury crisis and the red card and still found a way to beat them in Murrayfield.
“I think when the Scots get confident, that’s when they’re their own worst enemy.”
Topics: Rugby, Rugby Union
Brendan McGilligan