Ireland keep Six Nations title hopes alive with hard-fought win over Wales

Ireland kept alive their slim hopes of reclaiming the Guinness Six Nations title by battling to a 27-17 bonus-point victory against winless Wales at the Aviva in Dublin.

First-half tries from Jacob Stockdale and Jack Crowley put Andy Farrell’s side on course to set up a Triple Crown showdown with Scotland next weekend.

Wales responded through a superb solo score from prop Rhys Carre but were ultimately unable to prevent a 15th successive defeat in the championship, dating back to 2023.

W in Dublin. pic.twitter.com/zqgw3z7PhS

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) March 6, 2026

Jack Conan and Jamie Osborne touched down in the second period, either side of an effort from Wales flanker James Botham, as the hosts built on a record success away to England in round three in relatively scrappy fashion.

Although Ireland remain in contention for championship glory, table-topping France will retain the title with a round to spare by beating Scotland with a bonus point at Murrayfield on Saturday.

Wales, meanwhile, will bid to avoid the wooden spoon for the third successive Six Nations when they host Italy on the final weekend following a creditable display at the Aviva Stadium.

Steve Tandy’s side crossed the Irish Sea heartened by a promising performance in a 26-23 loss to Scotland last time out and with genuine belief of causing an upset.

Yet Welsh hopes of a first Six Nations win in Dublin since 2012 were dealt a blow inside six minutes as Stockdale burst on to a Stuart McCloskey pass to claim his 20th international try.

It briefly looked like being a long evening for the visitors, but Conan’s 11th-minute finish was disallowed on review due to a knock-on by Tom O’Toole before a Dan Edwards penalty cut the deficit.

Wales grew into the game