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Sports

Six Nations 2018: Story of the tournament

Updated 9:38 AM EDT, Mon March 19, 2018
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Ireland players celebrate an unbeaten Six Nations campaign after defeating England 15-24 at Twickenham.
Ireland players celebrate an unbeaten Six Nations campaign after defeating England 15-24 at Twickenham.
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
It was Ireland's third ever Grand Slam and first since 2009.
It was Ireland's third ever Grand Slam and first since 2009.
Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
There were wild scenes back home in Dublin where Irish fans celebrated St. Patrick's Day in style.
There were wild scenes back home in Dublin where Irish fans celebrated St. Patrick's Day in style.
Charles McQuillan/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Jacob Stockdale scored against England on the stroke of halftime. His seven tries for the tournament is a Six Nations record.
Jacob Stockdale scored against England on the stroke of halftime. His seven tries for the tournament is a Six Nations record.
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
The hosts leave the field dejected. It was the third defeat in a row for Eddie Jones' side, which slipped to fifth -- its lowest placing in the competition since 1983.
The hosts leave the field dejected. It was the third defeat in a row for Eddie Jones' side, which slipped to fifth -- its lowest placing in the competition since 1983.
Dan Mullan/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Wales edged past France 14-13 in Cardiff, where wing Liam Williams got on the scoresheet in the opening minutes for the hosts.
Wales edged past France 14-13 in Cardiff, where wing Liam Williams got on the scoresheet in the opening minutes for the hosts.
GEOFF CADDICK/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
The result meant France finished fourth with two wins and three defeats.
The result meant France finished fourth with two wins and three defeats.
GEOFF CADDICK/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
A late penalty from Greig Laidlaw ensured Scotland finished its campaign on a high, defeating Italy 27-29 in Rome.
A late penalty from Greig Laidlaw ensured Scotland finished its campaign on a high, defeating Italy 27-29 in Rome.
FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Stuart Hogg put the visitors ahead late in the game, but it required Laidlaw's boot in the dying moments to secure the win.
Stuart Hogg put the visitors ahead late in the game, but it required Laidlaw's boot in the dying moments to secure the win.
Paolo Bruno/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
For Italian captain Sergio Parisse (left), the defeat meant he became the first person ever to lose 100 test matches. His side failed to pick up a win in the Six Nations for the third season in a row.
For Italian captain Sergio Parisse (left), the defeat meant he became the first person ever to lose 100 test matches. His side failed to pick up a win in the Six Nations for the third season in a row.
Warren Little/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Ireland wrapped up the 2018 Six Nations with a game to spare after defeating Scotland 28-8 in Dublin.
Round 4: Ireland vs. Scotland —
Ireland wrapped up the 2018 Six Nations with a game to spare after defeating Scotland 28-8 in Dublin.
PAUL FAITH/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
An Irish fan is in full voice as she celebrates her team's first title since 2015 and the prospect of a first grand slam since 2009.
Round 4: Ireland vs. Scotland —
An Irish fan is in full voice as she celebrates her team's first title since 2015 and the prospect of a first grand slam since 2009.
Charles McQuillan/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Scotland, suffering a first defeat in three games, got its sole try through wing Blair Kinghorn.
Round 4: Ireland vs. Scotland —
Scotland, suffering a first defeat in three games, got its sole try through wing Blair Kinghorn.
PAUL FAITH/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
For England, things went from bad to worse. The pre-tournament favorite suffered a second loss of the campaign, going down 19-16 to France in Paris.
Round 4: France vs. England —
For England, things went from bad to worse. The pre-tournament favorite suffered a second loss of the campaign, going down 19-16 to France in Paris.
Dan Mullan/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
A late surge from the visitors was repelled by Les Bleus, who celebrated their second victory of this year's tournament.
Round 4: France vs. England —
A late surge from the visitors was repelled by Les Bleus, who celebrated their second victory of this year's tournament.
Dan Mullan/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
England lock Courtney Lawes loses grip of a line out at the Stade de France.
Round 4: France vs. England —
England lock Courtney Lawes loses grip of a line out at the Stade de France.
THOMAS SAMSON/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Center Mathieu Bastareaud salutes the crowd. France has won both its games since his return to the side.
Round 4: France vs. England —
Center Mathieu Bastareaud salutes the crowd. France has won both its games since his return to the side.
CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Wales swept to a convincing 38-14 win over Italy at the Principality Stadium, where Leigh Halfpenny is seen making a break.
Round 4: Wales vs. Italy —
Wales swept to a convincing 38-14 win over Italy at the Principality Stadium, where Leigh Halfpenny is seen making a break.
Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
George North made his first start of the campaign, bagging two of his side's five tries.
Round 4: Wales vs. Italy —
George North made his first start of the campaign, bagging two of his side's five tries.
GEOFF CADDICK/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Italy's search for a Six Nations win goes on. The Azzurri did muster two scores in Cardiff through Matteo Minozzi and Mattia Bellini.
Round 4: Wales vs. Italy —
Italy's search for a Six Nations win goes on. The Azzurri did muster two scores in Cardiff through Matteo Minozzi and Mattia Bellini.
GEOFF CADDICK/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Scotland's flanker John Barclay kisses the Calcutta Cup after <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcoredev-dam-cnn.expprod.services.ec2.dmtio.net%3A8080%2Fdam%2Fassets%2F180226103040-stade-velodrome-six-nations-story-top.jpg" target="_blank" target="_blank">his side's 25-13 victory over England</a> at Murrayfield, Edinburgh. It was the first time Scotland has beaten its oldest rival in ten years.
Round 3: Scotland vs. England —
Scotland's flanker John Barclay kisses the Calcutta Cup after his side's 25-13 victory over England at Murrayfield, Edinburgh. It was the first time Scotland has beaten its oldest rival in ten years.
PAUL ELLIS/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Center Huw Jones bagged a brace. The second was his tenth in 14 internationals.
Round 3: Scotland vs. England —
Center Huw Jones bagged a brace. The second was his tenth in 14 internationals.
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
For England, it was its second defeat under coach Eddie Jones in 26 games, the first coming against Ireland in last year's Six Nations.
Round 3: Scotland vs. England —
For England, it was its second defeat under coach Eddie Jones in 26 games, the first coming against Ireland in last year's Six Nations.
Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
A thrilling encounter at Dublin's Aviva Stadium saw Ireland beat Wales 37-27. Winger Jacob Stockdale intercepted a Welsh pass to score the decisive try -- his second of the game -- in the closing stages.
Round 3: Ireland vs. Wales —
A thrilling encounter at Dublin's Aviva Stadium saw Ireland beat Wales 37-27. Winger Jacob Stockdale intercepted a Welsh pass to score the decisive try -- his second of the game -- in the closing stages.
Charles McQuillan/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Wales ensured the result went down to the wire with a couple of second-half tries. Steff Evans scored in the 77th minute to put late pressure on Ireland.
Round 3: Ireland vs. Wales —
Wales ensured the result went down to the wire with a couple of second-half tries. Steff Evans scored in the 77th minute to put late pressure on Ireland.
Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Keith Earls tries to escape the clutches of Welsh flanker Josh Navidi.
Round 3: Ireland vs. Wales —
Keith Earls tries to escape the clutches of Welsh flanker Josh Navidi.
Charles McQuillan/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Victory means Ireland is the only side at this stage to maintain its 100% record in this year's Six Nations.
Round 3: Ireland vs. Wales —
Victory means Ireland is the only side at this stage to maintain its 100% record in this year's Six Nations.
Charles McQuillan/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
France, meanwhile, notched its first victory of the campaign by defeating Italy 34-17. Hugo Bonneval crossed in the second half to seal the win.
Round 3: France vs. Italy —
France, meanwhile, notched its first victory of the campaign by defeating Italy 34-17. Hugo Bonneval crossed in the second half to seal the win.
Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
The loss was Italy's 15th consecutive Six Nations defeat across three seasons. Coach Conor O'Shea is yet to pick up a win in the tournament.
Round 3: France vs. Italy —
The loss was Italy's 15th consecutive Six Nations defeat across three seasons. Coach Conor O'Shea is yet to pick up a win in the tournament.
CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
The match was played at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille -- the first time ever France has hosted a Six Nations game away from Paris.
Round 3: France vs. Italy —
The match was played at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille -- the first time ever France has hosted a Six Nations game away from Paris.
BORIS HORVAT/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
England's Owen Farrell celebrates his side's 12-6 victory over Wales during the second weekend of the Six Nations.
Round 2: England vs. Wales —
England's Owen Farrell celebrates his side's 12-6 victory over Wales during the second weekend of the Six Nations.
Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
The home side raced into an early lead at Twickenham courtesy of two Jonny May tries. But controversy soon followed...
Round 2: England vs. Wales —
The home side raced into an early lead at Twickenham courtesy of two Jonny May tries. But controversy soon followed...
Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
After Anthony Watson (C) and Gareth Anscombe (R) dived at a kick in England's in-goal area, the television match official ruled that Watson had touched the ball down first. Wales coach Warren Gatland felt his side was denied a try, calling the decision a "terrible mistake" in what turned out to be a tightly-contested affair.
Round 2: England vs. Wales —
After Anthony Watson (C) and Gareth Anscombe (R) dived at a kick in England's in-goal area, the television match official ruled that Watson had touched the ball down first. Wales coach Warren Gatland felt his side was denied a try, calling the decision a "terrible mistake" in what turned out to be a tightly-contested affair.
BEN STANSALL/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Ireland cruised past Italy 56-19 in Dublin, with Conor Murray (pictured) getting on the score sheet.
Round 2: Ireland vs. Italy —
Ireland cruised past Italy 56-19 in Dublin, with Conor Murray (pictured) getting on the score sheet.
Gareth Copley/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
While Italy crossed for three tries, it wasn't enough to secure a bonus point. The Azzurri remain winless and bottom of the championship.
Round 2: Ireland vs. Italy —
While Italy crossed for three tries, it wasn't enough to secure a bonus point. The Azzurri remain winless and bottom of the championship.
PAUL FAITH/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Traveling French fans were in full voice at Murrayfield for their side's clash with Scotland.
Round 2: Scotland vs. France —
Traveling French fans were in full voice at Murrayfield for their side's clash with Scotland.
Richard Heathcote/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
But it was the home supporters who had more reason to cheer as their side won 32-26, picking up a first win of the tournament.
Round 2: Scotland vs. France —
But it was the home supporters who had more reason to cheer as their side won 32-26, picking up a first win of the tournament.
David Rogers/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Greig Laidlaw put in a flawless kicking display, slotting 22 points from the tee.
Round 2: Scotland vs. France —
Greig Laidlaw put in a flawless kicking display, slotting 22 points from the tee.
David Rogers/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
On the opening weekend of the Six Nations, Ireland fly-half Johnny Sexton was the hero as his side claimed a last gasp 15-13 victory over France.
Round 1: France vs. Ireland —
On the opening weekend of the Six Nations, Ireland fly-half Johnny Sexton was the hero as his side claimed a last gasp 15-13 victory over France.
THOMAS SAMSON/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Sexton scored a long range drop goal with time up on the clock to claim victory.
Round 1: France vs. Ireland —
Sexton scored a long range drop goal with time up on the clock to claim victory.
Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Irish fans celebrate in the Stade de France.
Round 1: France vs. Ireland —
Irish fans celebrate in the Stade de France.
Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Controversy arose in the game after France's Antoine Dupont was sent for a head injury assessment (HIA) despite appearing to injure his knee. The HIA call enabled France, who had used all of their substitutes, to reintroduce starting scrum half Maxime Machenaud as a temporary replacement during the game's closing stages.
Round 1: France vs. Ireland —
Controversy arose in the game after France's Antoine Dupont was sent for a head injury assessment (HIA) despite appearing to injure his knee. The HIA call enabled France, who had used all of their substitutes, to reintroduce starting scrum half Maxime Machenaud as a temporary replacement during the game's closing stages.
CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
The dramatic nature of Ireland's late victory left the French crowd dejected.
Round 1: France vs. Ireland —
The dramatic nature of Ireland's late victory left the French crowd dejected.
Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Scotland was another side to feel the blues on the opening weekend, succumbing 34-7 to Wales in Cardiff.
Round 1: Wales vs. Scotland —
Scotland was another side to feel the blues on the opening weekend, succumbing 34-7 to Wales in Cardiff.
Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Leigh Halfpenny scored two tries for the rampant Welsh.
Round 1: Wales vs. Scotland —
Leigh Halfpenny scored two tries for the rampant Welsh.
Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Steff Evans (pictured) and Gareth Davies also crossed the line for Wales.
Round 1: Wales vs. Scotland —
Steff Evans (pictured) and Gareth Davies also crossed the line for Wales.
David Rogers/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
A happy Wales fan takes in the action in Cardiff as Wales trounce Scotland.
Round 1: Wales vs. Scotland —
A happy Wales fan takes in the action in Cardiff as Wales trounce Scotland.
David Rogers/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
The final match of the opening weekend saw Italy face England in Rome.
Round 1: Italy vs. England —
The final match of the opening weekend saw Italy face England in Rome.
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Debutant Sam Simmonds scored twice for England as the reigning champions cut loose to win 46-15.
Round 1: Italy vs. England —
Debutant Sam Simmonds scored twice for England as the reigning champions cut loose to win 46-15.
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Owen Farrell also touched down and contributed four conversions and a penalty.
Round 1: Italy vs. England —
Owen Farrell also touched down and contributed four conversions and a penalty.
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images

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