World Rugby

What Ireland Needs To Do To Win The 2025 Guinness Six Nations

What Ireland Needs To Do To Win The 2025 Guinness Six Nations

Ireland needs a bonus-point win over Italy and specific results in other matches to keep their hopes of a third straight Six Nations title alive.

Mar 13, 2025 by Philip Bendon
What Ireland Needs To Do To Win The 2025 Guinness Six Nations

After a devastating loss to France in Dublin, Ireland’s Six Nations title hopes are hanging by a thread heading into the final round. A bonus-point victory over Italy at the Stadio Olimpico is essential—but even that might not be enough.

For Ireland to pull off an unlikely championship win, multiple results must go their way. First, they must rack up a commanding victory in Rome, securing four tries or more to claim a crucial bonus point. That would lift them above England in the standings, but only temporarily.

Next, they need England to either lose to Wales or win without a bonus point, ensuring the two sides remain tied on competition points. In that scenario, Ireland’s final standing would come down to points difference—a race where they currently trail England by seven.

Crucially, none of this matters if France wins in Paris. Should Les Bleus secure any sort of victory over Scotland, Ireland’s dream of a historic third consecutive title vanishes.

Ireland’s title defense, once full of promise, now faces near-impossible odds. A Grand Slam appeared within reach before their humbling defeat to France, leaving them needing a miracle on the final day.

If Scotland can topple France, and Wales hold England at bay, the door remains ajar for Ireland. But as Super Saturday looms, their chances of retaining the trophy are slim at best. Still, in rugby, stranger things have happened, and Andy Farrell’s men will take to the field in Rome with hope, if not expectation.

The 2025 Six Nations finale promises to be a nail-biting affair, with three teams still in the hunt. But for Ireland, the path to glory is narrow, and the odds are stacked against them.

How To Watch Rugby Matches In The United States On FloRugby

FloRugby and FloSports also are the U.S. home to: 

FloRugby also is home to match archives and match replays. 

Join The Rugby Conversation On FloRugby Social