WALES v IRELAND, 2009: This meeting in Cardiff is etched into rugby history as one of the most nerve-shredding games the Championship has ever seen. Ireland, chasing their first Grand Slam in 61 years, faced a determined Welsh side - the reigning Grand Slam champions, no less - at what was then a fortress for any visiting team.
The atmosphere was electric, with tension hanging thick in the air as Ireland took a 14-6 lead thanks to tries from Brian O'Driscoll and Tommy Bowe. However, Wales fought back, with Stephen Jones' accurate kicking keeping them within striking distance. As the clock ticked down, Jones slotted a drop goal to give Wales a narrow 15-14 lead, raising the prospect of an Irish dream being crushed at the final hurdle.
Then came the pivotal moment. With just minutes left, Ireland’s Ronan O'Gara, displaying nerves of steel, calmly delivered a drop goal that sailed between the posts, reclaiming the lead for Ireland at 17-15. But the drama wasn’t over. In the dying seconds, Wales were awarded a penalty from 48 meters out; Jones, who had been so reliable all day, stepped up. His kick had the distance, but drifted agonisingly wide.
The final whistle saw Ireland erupt in joy, having secured not only the match but an historic Grand Slam - their first since 1948. It was a game that perfectly encapsulated the passion, intensity, and unpredictability of the Guinness Men's Six Nations.
WATCH: Wales 15-17 Ireland highlights
WALES v ENGLAND, 2013: This wasn’t just a match: it was an epic showdown that will be talked about for generations. England arrived at the then Millennium Stadium with dreams of a Grand Slam, but they left utterly shattered by a Welsh performance for the ages. Wales, spurred by their own ambitions of retaining the title, needed a victory by seven points to secure the Championship, but they didn’t just stop there - they annihilated England with a staggering 30-3 scoreline, their largest margin of victory against their arch-rivals from across the border.
From the first whistle, Wales played with a ferocity and precision that England couldn’t match. Their defence was impenetrable, and their attacking play was relentless. The Welsh pack, led by the indomitable Adam Jones, dominated the scrums, providing a platform for fly-half Dan Biggar to control the game with tactical kicking and sharp decision-making. The atmosphere in the stadium was deafening, the Welsh fans roaring with every tackle and every inch gained.
The turning point came in the second half when Alex Cuthbert crossed for the first of his two tries, igniting the Welsh onslaught. England, who had looked so assured throughout the tournament, had no answer to the wave after wave of Welsh attacks. Cuthbert’s second try sealed the deal, sending the crowd into raptures as it became clear that not only would Wales retain their title, but they would do so in spectacular fashion, leaving England shell-shocked.
This match wasn’t just a win for Wales; it was a statement, a reminder of the passion, pride, and power of Welsh rugby. It was a day when everything clicked, and when Wales show that in Cardiff, they are almost unbeatable. The scars of that day lingered long in English rugby, while for Wales, it was a moment of pure, unbridled joy.
WATCH: Wales 30-3 England highlights
SCOTLAND v ENGLAND, 2019: This clash at Twickenham will forever be remembered as one of the most extraordinary Calcutta Cup matches ever seen. What began as a routine demolition by England turned into a stunning comeback by Scotland that left fans in disbelief.
England stormed out of the gates, blitzing Scotland with four tries in the opening 30 minutes, racing to a 31-0 lead. It seemed the match was over before it had truly begun. However, what followed was one of the greatest turnarounds the sport has ever seen. Scotland, with nothing to lose, clawed their way back into the game, starting with a 60-yard charge-down try by Stuart McInally that ignited their revival.
The second half belonged to the Scots as they scored what looked to be five unanswered tries, with Finn Russell's interception try off Owen Farrell and Sam Johnson's dazzling solo effort being the highlights. Suddenly, Scotland led 38-31, flipping the script entirely. England, stunned and on the ropes, managed to salvage a draw in the dying seconds with a try from George Ford.
The match ended 38-38, but the result did little to capture the sheer drama of the day. Scotland retained the Calcutta Cup, but more importantly, they had produced a comeback for the ages, one that will be talked about wherever rugby fans gather for the Calcutta Cup match. It was a day when Scottish rugby as we know it today came of age, showing heart, resilience, and the ability to surprise even the most seasoned observers.
WATCH: England 38-38 Scotland highlights
FRANCE v WALES, 2021: Not even a Stade de France denuded of fans due to the pandemic could diminish this one as a spectacle. It was a dramatic showdown in which, for 70 minutes at least, Wales seemed poised to secure a Grand Slam, playing with the physicality, precision, and resilience that had defined their campaign. They led 30-20 and even had the numerical advantage after France lock Paul Willemse was sent off with a red card for a dangerous clear-out.
But the final ten minutes flipped the script in the most dramatic fashion. France, facing a daunting task, unleashed a comeback that stunned everyone. Despite being a man down, they clawed their way back with captain Charles Ollivon scoring a crucial try to narrow the gap to 30-27. Wales, reduced to 13 men after yellow cards to Taulupe Faletau and Liam Williams, found themselves desperately holding on.
As the clock ticked into the red, France mounted one last attack. The drama reached its peak when Brice Dulin, who had been denied earlier in the match, finished in the corner to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. The final score of 32-30 not only denied Wales their Grand Slam but also kept France’s title hopes alive.
This match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones capturing the sentiment perfectly by acknowledging the pride in their performance but lamenting the lack of a tangible reward. For France, it summed up the spirit and determination that would in the following year lead them to a first Grand Slam and Championship title since 2010.
WATCH: France 32-30 Wales highlights
WALES v ITALY, 2022: Arguably more than just as a game, this was a moment of sheer magic and emotional triumph for Italian rugby. Italy, who had endured 36 consecutive defeats in the Championship, pulled off a miraculous victory, their first in the Championship since 2015. It was a match that stunned the rugby world and brought the Italian team and their fans to tears of joy.
The game itself was a tense affair, with Wales, the reigning champions, expected to brush Italy aside with ease. However, the Italians had other ideas. They fought with heart and determination, staying in the contest throughout, but still found themselves trailing 21-15 with just moments left on the clock.
Then came the moment that will live on for a long time. Italy’s dynamic young fullback, Ange Capuozzo, produced a stunning run from deep within his own half, evading numerous Welsh defenders with his electric pace and dazzling footwork. His incredible break set up Edoardo Padovani for a try under the posts, which Tommaso Allan converted to give Italy a dramatic 22-21 lead .
The final whistle blew, and the Italian players erupted in celebration, disbelief, and tears. It wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. Italy’s captain, Michele Lamaro, spoke of the overwhelming emotion and the significance of the victory for Italian rugby. The result was a stark reminder that, on any given day, the underdog can rise and rewrite the script .
For Wales, it was a bitter pill to swallow, but for Italy, it was the dawn of a new era - a victory that rekindled hope and belief in their ability to compete at the highest level of European rugby.
WATCH: Wales 21-22 Italy highlights ENGLAND v IRELAND, 2024: This will be remembered not just for the thrilling action on the pitch, but for the stunning turnaround in fortunes for an England side that had been struggling to find its identity under new head coach Steve Borthwick.
Going into the match, Ireland were on the brink of securing back-to-back Grand Slams, a feat no team had achieved in the Six Nations era. England, meanwhile, had endured a disappointing campaign, and with just two victories in their last three tournaments, they were written off by many. But what unfolded was a match that breathed new life into England’s rugby revival and reminded everyone how Twickenham can be one of the most intimidating arenas in world rugby for visiting teams.
Ireland, under next Lions head coach Andy Farrell, started strong, with Jack Crowley’s penalties giving them a 12-8 lead at halftime. It seemed as though Ireland would weather the English storm, especially after try-scorer James Lowe extended their lead to 17-8. But this was not to be a straightforward victory.
England, galvanised by a raucous home crowd, fought back with a ferocity and flair that hadn’t been seen since their famous 2019 World Cup semi-final victory over New Zealand. Ben Earl was at the heart of England’s resurgence, delivering a Man of the Match performance with 19 carries for 140 meters and a crucial second-half try. George Furbank also shone, scoring a scintillating try that brought England back into contention .
But the moment that will be etched in rugby folklore came in the dying minutes. Danny Care, on his 100th cap, delivered a perfect pass to Marcus Smith, who coolly slotted a drop goal to snatch victory for England in the final minute. The drama was heightened by the fact that Smith had only been introduced from the bench, yet his impact was immediate and game-changing .
Ireland, despite their best efforts and the disruption caused by injuries, were left to rue what might have been. Their dynamic attack and champion spirit kept them in the game until the very end, but England's indefatigability and newfound attacking verve were too much on the day. Their 23-22 victory not only denied Ireland their Grand Slam but also blew the Six Nations title race wide open, giving England an outside chance at glory .
This match marked a turning point for England under Borthwick, who finally saw his vision for the team come to life in spectacular fashion. For Ireland, it was a sobering reminder of how brutal the Six Nations can be, even for a team on the brink of history.
