Ireland and France clear of the field – what we learned from the Six Nations

19.03.2023 - 18:09 breakingnews.ie

Ireland were crowned Grand Slam champions with a hard-fought victory over England in Dublin, bringing to a close a captivating Guinness Six Nations.

Here, the PA news agency examines five things learnt from the tournament. The final standings.#GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/6CVRv49oje — Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) March 18, 2023 The final Six Nations table mirrors the global rankings, providing an accurate picture of the balance of power in Europe.

Ireland and France will lead the northern hemisphere’s charge at the World Cup this autumn, Scotland are a quality outfit but not equipped to topple the giants, England and Wales are mired in crisis and rapidly-improving Italy just lack the composure at critical moments needed to be truly competitive.

Gatland’s players completed an underwhelming Guinness Six Nations campaign with a 41-28 defeat against France in Paris – their fourth loss during this season’s tournament.

England Johnny Sexton France Italy Scotland Ireland Dublin

France captain Antoine Dupont has been named the Six Nations player of the championship for the third time in four years. Dupont becomes just the second player to win the award three times (2020, 2022 and 2023) after former Ireland centre Brian O'Driscoll (2006, 2007 and 2009), with the scrum-half winning 26 per cent of the fan vote on the Six Nations website. Ad The 26-year-old beat team-mates Thomas Ramos and Damian Penaud to the prize as well as Ireland Grand Slam winners Caelan Doris, Hugo Keenan and Mack Hansen.

Antoine Dupont named Six Nations Player of the Championship

Antoine Dupont has been named Six Nations Player of the Championship for the third time in four years.

Grand Slam a fitting Six Nations finale for Ireland's 'greatest' Sexton, says Farrell

Head coach Andy Farrell said it was "unbelievably fitting" that "the greatest player to play for Ireland", Johnny Sexton, ended his Six Nations career by captaining the Irish to the Grand Slam.

Andy Farrell hails captain Johnny Sexton as Ireland's best ever after Six Nations triumph

Andy Farrell declared Johnny Sexton as the best to ever play for Ireland as they capped off a dominant Six Nations campaign with a Grand Slam title.

World’s top-ranked team dominate Six Nations – Ireland’s route to the title

Ireland became Grand Slam champions for the fourth time following Saturday’s 29-16 Guinness Six Nations win over England in Dublin.

Ireland’s key men in stunning Six Nations campaign

Ireland celebrated Grand Slam glory after defeating England in Dublin.