Ireland crowned champions as Wales endure Wooden Spoon misery
Ireland crowned 2023 Six Nations champions as Wales pick up the Wooden Spoon
Ireland have been crowned 2023 Six Nations champions after a hard-fought 34-20 victory over Scotland in Dublin on Saturday. The win sees Ireland claim their fourth Six Nations title in the last six years, and their first since 2018.
Wales, meanwhile, endured a miserable tournament, finishing bottom of the table with just one win from their five matches. Their 20-13 defeat to Italy in Cardiff on Saturday condemned them to the Wooden Spoon for the first time since 2003.
Ireland's victory was built on a solid foundation of forward power and clinical finishing. Caelan Doris and Josh van der Flier were outstanding in the pack, while James Lowe and Mack Hansen both scored two tries apiece.
Scotland were competitive for much of the match, but they were unable to match Ireland's intensity and physicality. Stuart Hogg scored a fine try for Scotland, but it was not enough to prevent them from slipping to a third defeat in this year's Six Nations.
Wales' defeat to Italy was a fitting end to a disappointing tournament for the Welsh. They were outplayed by a determined Italian side, who scored two tries to Wales' one.
The Wooden Spoon is a particularly bitter pill to swallow for Wales, as it is their first since 2003. It is a sign of the decline of Welsh rugby, and it will be a major concern for new head coach Warren Gatland.
Ireland, meanwhile, can celebrate their Six Nations triumph. They are now the most successful team in the competition's history, with 25 titles to their name.
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