Ireland vs Scotland Preview & Prediction | 2026 Six Nations Championship | Round 5
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A tantalising final day of the 2026 Six Nations Championship begins with a meeting in Dublin between title contenders Ireland and Scotland.
Start date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – ITV / USA – Not televised
How to watch online: UK – ITVX / USA – Peacock
Ireland form: Must-win for title chances
Ireland claimed maximum points in a hard-fought win over an improved Wales side last weekend, with their 27-17 victory in Dublin keeping them very much alive in the race for the Six Nations title ahead of the final round of fixtures.
Two points behind both France and Scotland, Ireland's only hope is to defeat Scotland and hope England do them a favour by beating France later on Saturday. If Ireland win without earning a bonus point, then France could still pip them in defeat should they earn two bonus points themselves.
Last five: LLWWW
Scotland form: Unlikely triumph?
Also in the hunt for Six Nations glory, Scotland produced a stunning display to defeat previously unbeaten France 50-40 at Murrayfield last week, in a breathless contest that featured 13 tries.
Whilst there is a scenario where Scotland can draw and still finish in first place, the likelihood is that they will need to beat Ireland in Dublin for the first time since 2010. Even then, they may well need to claim a winning bonus point to give them the best chance, and hope that France don't achieve the same. If they finish level on points with France, their points difference - currently inferior to Les Bleus - would likely be their undoing.
Last five: WLWWW
Ireland team news: Four changes as James Ryan ruled out
Squad: Osborne; Baloucoune, Ringrose, McCloskey, O'Brien; Crowley, Gibson-Park; O'Toole, Sheehan, Furlong, McCarthy, Beirne, Conan, Van der Flier, Doris (capt)
Replacements: Kelleher, Milne, Bealham, Murray, Timoney, Casey, Frawley, Aki
Scotland team news: Scond row alterations
Squad: Kinghorn; Graham, Jones, Tuipulotu (capt), Steyn; Russell, White; Schoeman, Turner, Z Fagerson, Williamson, Gilchrist, M Fagerson, Darge, Dempsey
Replacements: Ashman, Sutherland, Rae, Craig, Bradbury, Horne, Rowe, Jordan
Ireland vs Scotland prediction
Despite the fact that both teams lost their respective Six Nations openers, they are both fighting for the title as the tournament comes to a dramatic conclusion.
Ireland, chasing a third title in four years, have put themselves within striking distance of glory and can look to their excellent recent record over Scotland for inspiration. Indeed, Scotland have lost 11 consecutive times to the Irish.
The Scots, though, have found a gear few thought they had, especially after they lost to Italy in their first match of the tournament. Gregor Townsend's side have grown with confidence as the weeks have progressed, and they certainly have it in them to break their losing streak in Dublin.
Home-ground advantage should count for a lot here though, and although it could well go to the wire, we just see Andy Farrell's Ireland taking the win at Aviva Stadium.
Ireland vs Scotland tip: Ireland to win
