Ireland – Scotland: Irish control to finish

At the Aviva Stadium, Ireland finished their Six Nations in style. Against a Scotland side still in the running for a high placing, the men in green produced a complete performance to win comfortably (43-21).

The start of the match was balanced, though. True to their style, Scotland tried to get their running game going and to string together phases across the width. But very quickly, the Irish machine clicked into gear. Superior at the collision and accurate with their kicking for territory, Ireland gradually took control of the tempo.

The pack laid the foundations, dominating the set piece and providing clean platforms for the backline. Behind them, the ball movement did the rest. Ireland went up through the gears as soon as space opened up, punishing a Scottish defence that was at times stretched too thin.

As the minutes went by, the gap widened. More clinical in the scoring zone, Ireland ran in six tries, converting their spells of pressure with a precision that had long eluded them in this Six Nations.

Scotland, attractive in patches this year, eventually gave way under the weight of what was at stake. Forced to defend too often, they never managed to impose their rhythm for any length of time. That handsome win allows Ireland to finish on a positive note and to remind everyone that they remain one of the best-organised teams in European rugby.

Wales – Italy: a proud response

A few hours later in Cardiff, Wales ended their Six Nations with a win that had been a long time coming, but was far from insignificant. Against an Italy side buoyed by their historic feat against England a week earlier, Wales responded with character to win 31-23, ending a run of 15 straight defeats in the Six Nations.

In front of their own crowd at the Principality Stadium, the men in red showed a very different face to the one seen in the previous rounds. More aggressive at the breakdown, more accurate with their kicking, they quickly took the upper hand territorially.

Italy, still on cloud nine, forgot their basics, only rarely managing to get to grips with the Welsh game.

This time, Wales knew how to manage the key moments. More clinical in the scoring zone and more disciplined in the final quarter of an hour, they eventually secured their advantage for a win built on character.

For Italy, the defeat does not wipe out the progress seen throughout the tournament. But it is also a reminder of how hard it is to back up a major feat.

A Six Nations blurred to the very end

This fifth round closes a 2026 edition that often shook up the certainties. The leading nations alternated solid performances with flat spells, while Italy confirmed their rise by showing they are capable of beating anyone on a given day.

Ireland, with that clear win over Scotland, finish on a convincing note and remind everyone of their ability to produce effective rugby when they set the tempo. Wales, for their part, save what matters by avoiding another completely barren campaign.

In the end, this Six Nations will be remembered as a paradoxical one. More open than ever. More unpredictable. More gripping?