Ireland completed their Triple Crown today, a week ahead of the final match against Italy on Saint Patrick’s Day in Rome.

Ronan O’Gara inspired Ireland to their third Triple Crown in four years as Eddie O’Sullivan’s men ground out a narrow 19-18 victory over Scotland in the RBS 6 Nations Championship at Murrayfield, the home of Scottish Rugby. O’Gara scored all 19 points for Ireland with a converted try and four penalties.

It was hardly a convincing victory against the Scottish side that lost to Italy two weeks ago. Ireland will hope that a convincing victory against Italy, on Saint Patrick’s Day, will inspire renewed confidence before the Rugby World Cup this autumn in France.

The Italians will be hoping for another upset following their 23-20 victory against Wales and their best Six Nations year with their first ever back-to-back victories. Wales must now beat England convincingly to avoid the Wooden Spoon.

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