Scotland player ratings vs Ireland: 2026 Six Nations

Rugby News

by Liam Reynolds

Saturday, 14 March 2026 at 16:08

byLiam Reynolds

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Scotland player ratings vs Ireland as Gregor Townsend's ended their campaign as they started it with a defeat.

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Scotland fell to a 43–21 defeat against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in the final round of the 2026 Guinness Men’s Six Nations, as the hosts secured the Triple Crown. Despite moments of promise, Scotland were ultimately overpowered as Ireland extended their winning streak in the fixture to 12 matches.

Ireland struck first through Jamie Osborne after just three minutes, but Scotland responded well. A powerful carry from Pierre Schoeman created the platform for Huw Jones to release Darcy Graham for a try, with Finn Russell converting to level the scores.

However, Ireland built a 19–7 halftime lead with tries from Dan Sheehan and Robert Baloucoune. Scotland rallied after the break, with Russell slicing through the defence to set up a try before Rory Darge crossed on the hour to cut the deficit to 26–21.

Ireland’s bench then proved decisive late on, as Tommy O’Brien scored twice to pull the hosts clear and seal Scotland’s defeat in Dublin.

Scroll down for Scotland player ratings vs Ireland.

IRELAND: 43

Tries: Osborne (2'), Sheehan (10'), Baloucoune (18'), Murray (56'), O'Brien (67', 79')
Cons: Crowley (3', 10', 56', 67', 80')
Pens: Crowley (73')

SCOTLAND: 21

Tries: D Graham (6'), Russell (51'), Darge (60')
Cons: Russell (7', 52', 61')
Pens:

Scotland player ratings vs Ireland

By Liam Reynolds, live from the Aviva Stadium, Dublin.

15. BLAIR KINGHORN — 6

A mixed performance from the Scotland full-back, Blair Kinghorn was undeniably Scotland's biggest attacking threat in the opening 40 minutes. Setting up Scotland's only try of the first half with a fantastically timed pass, Kinghorn showed promise in attack, but his game in other areas let Scotland down.

With Gregor Townsend's back three being caught out on multiple occasions, Jameson Gibson-Park was able to overwhelm Kinghorn with his box kicking, allowing Ireland an easy platform in the game.

14. DARCY GRAHAM — 5

After his comments in the media during the week, it was always going to be a tough day for Darcy Graham, and it appeared that Ireland took his statements personally. While he did manage to score a try, Graham had very little time with the ball in hand before being swarmed by Ireland's defence.

With Scotland struggling to build any attacking platform, their back three were also exposed defensively. Graham was left stranded under the high ball for Baloucoune's first try of the game.

13. HUW JONES — 6

Part of Scotland's elite centre pairing, widely regarded as one of the best in the world, Huw Jones was expected to play a significant role. Instead, he had little involvement, with much of Scotland's playmaking responsibilities falling to Kinghorn and Russell.

12. SIONE TUIPULOTU — 4

Tasked with dealing with the threat of Stuart McCloskey, Sione Tuipulotu was expected to lead by example against Ireland. However, Townsend's captain was overshadowed by his opposite numbers and Ireland's dominant back row.

11. KYLE STEYN — 6

10. FINN RUSSELL — 5

Finn Russell, much like his team, showed flashes of quality but struggled to impose himself on the game. Gregor Townsend's attacking structure was largely shut down by Andy Farrell's organised defence.

Forced to rely more on kicking than carrying the ball to the line, Russell had few answers to Ireland's defensive line speed.

While he produced a respectable performance and even scored a try, the Scottish fly-half was far from his usual brilliant best.

9. BEN WHITE — 5

Despite making no major mistakes, Ben White simply did not have the platform needed to control the game. Ireland's back three dominated the aerial contest, while Farrell's defence consistently slowed Scotland down at the breakdown.

1. PIERRE SCHOEMAN — 4

Pierre Schoeman offered little impact compared to his front-row teammates and was largely dominated by Ireland's pack, with Scotland's scrum struggling throughout the game.

Unlike teammate Zander Fagerson, Schoeman made little impact with ball carries, at the breakdown, or in attacking positions near Ireland's 22.

2. GEORGE TURNER — 4 (OFF: 17')

Turner went off after just 17 minutes and did not return, conceding two scrum penalties while he was on the pitch.

3. ZANDER FAGERSON — 5

The only member of Scotland's starting pack to make a noticeable positive impact, Fagerson was one of Scotland's most effective ball carriers and played a key role in setting up their opening try.

However, the forward pack as a whole was still dominated by Ireland's front row during his time on the field.

4. MAX WILLIAMSON — 7 (OFF: 62')

Under significant pressure from head coach Gregor Townsend, having to start a Triple Crown decider with just four caps, Williamson performed admirably. He played an important role alongside Fagerson in Scotland's opening try.

5. GRANT GILCHRIST — 6

Frequently driven backwards by Ireland's powerful back row, Gilchrist struggled to make the same impact as his less experienced teammate on a day when Scotland's senior players failed to inspire the team.

6. MATT FAGERSON — 6

7. RORY DARGE (VC) — 8

Scotland's standout performer on the day, Darge was their most effective ball carrier and crashed over for the try that briefly threatened to bring Scotland back into the contest.

8. JACK DEMPSEY — 5 (OFF: 62')

Completely dominated by his opposite number, Ireland captain Caelan Doris, Dempsey lost multiple turnovers, giving Ireland easy attacking opportunities.