Ireland can claim their fourth Grand Slam and 15th title overall when they host England in the final round of the Six Nations at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.
Ireland v England
Saturday 18 March
Aviva Stadium
19:00
Ireland 1/9 | Draw 33/1 | England 11/2
Handicap
Ireland (-15.5) 9/10 | England (+15.5) 9/10
Andy Farrell’s World No 1s have been at their imperious best this campaign, delivering smashing performances each week to truly throw down the gauntlet to the rest of the year’s World Cup contenders.
Victory here will seal a first Grand Slam since 2018 and 15th championship crown since the competition began with the Home Nations back in 1883. Considering the composure and accuracy they displayed against Scotland a week ago, it’s unlikely they’ll be stopped in Dublin.
That 22-7 win at Murrayfield did come at a cost though, with Iain Henderson and Garry Ringrose, the latter arguably Ireland’s player of the tournament, both ruled out of this one. Still, it’s unlikely that the side’s momentum will be disrupted with all signs pointing to a St Paddy’s Day special at the Aviva.
⏪ Last time out against England at the Aviva! #TeamOfUs | #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/QGYRHTSezA
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) March 15, 2023
Ah man, who’d wanna be Steve Borthwick right now? The new England boss has got a mammoth task on his hands to re-establish the national side as a world heavyweight, especially after the 53-10 annihilation against France last week: the Roses’ heaviest ever home defeat.
There’s little to suggest rudderless England will get close to the Irish on Saturday.
While Ireland should canter to victory, they won’t clear what is a mighty tall handicap. England on the plus.
