Why have teams fallen short in Six Nations three-peat bid?

Ireland will look to reach a new level with the 2025 Six Nations.

Ireland are only five games away from having their names listed in history books, and a hat-trick of titles has never been achieved in the men’s game.

If you think back to England’s World Cup winners, France’s mid-2000s domination or Warren Gatland’s golden era with Wales, it’s almost a surprise that it’s not been achieved before.

In the late 1980s, France’s name was last seen on the trophy four times in a row in the Five Nations.

But even then, their 1986 and ‘ 88 titles were shared with Scotland and Wales.

After winning the Six Nations in 2017 and 2018, England were the last team to win three consecutive titles, but their attempt to put together a hat-trick turned out to be a failure.

Eddie Jones’ men got things off to a good start with a big win over Italy in Rome, followed by a spirited win over Wales at home.

So far, so good. But things would soon start to unravel.

With their 25-13 victory, Scotland won the largest victory for the Scots over their Six Nations rivals, claiming the Calcutta Cup for the first time since 2008.

Next up, England fell in Paris as the French ran out convincing 22-16 winners.

They had no chance of winning the title, but could they prevent Joe Schmidt’s Irish juggernaut from winning the St. Patrick’s Day Grand Slam at Twickenham?

After ending Wales ‘ run of titles in 2014, it was Ireland’s turn to win back-to-back Six Nations the following year and eyes soon turned to a potential hat-trick.

In a rare Six Nations encounter, Ireland and Wales draw their opener 16-all after France and England had already won their first games.

France’s 10-9 victory in Paris gave the Irish title defense another blow, and England’s 15 unanswered points in the second half put an end to Ireland’s hopes of retaining the title.

Ireland finally won their first game against Italy, and the result was England’s biggest shock of the tournament, 25-21 victory over a fierce Welsh opponent.

England were so good that, with a game to spare, they won the title after losing to France in Scotland the previous year due to their lack of points difference.

Wales was only two points away from capturing three consecutive Six Nations titles in 2014 after winning the Grand Slam in 2012 and another title the following year.

Wales and Ireland both won their opening matches, while Gael Fickou’s last-gasp try saw France defeat England in a thriller.

In round two of Dublin, Ireland defeated Wales’s leaders, while England and France won big prizes.

In the third round, the championship saw a significant change as England defeated Ireland at Twickenham while Wales defeated France.

It looked like it was anyone’s title, but Wales ‘ hopes were ended by England, as Ireland and France both won again.

Going into the final day, Ireland, France and England could all still claim the title.

In Paris, England hammered Italy to put more pressure on Ireland. Johnny Sexton’s 17 points helped Ireland over the line by two points, despite a late French fightback.

After finishing fifth with one victory the previous year, Wales ‘ Grand Slam in 2008 is one of the most famous titles in the championship’s storied history, which also denied France three in a row.

For the first time in 20 years, Wales won over England at Twickenham thanks to two converted tries in the space of three minutes thanks to Lee Byrne, Mike Phillips, and James Hook’s boot.

Scotland were the next to fall to Warren Gatland’s side, while Italy were also put to the sword in Cardiff. In Paris, France lost to England in the third round of matches, which made Welsh history.

Shane Williams scored his 40th try for Wales as Gatland’s side held on for a 16-12 win over Ireland in Dublin, while Welsh title hopes were boosted by Scotland’s win over England.

France had no chance of defending their title unless they won the game, but the Welsh had oversead in Cardiff, ensuring a renowned success.

At the beginning of the new millennium, England held three of the first four titles.

However, Clive Woodward’s side fell short of a three-peat at the hands of France in 2002 – who achieved the first Grand Slam of the Six Nations era.

England hammered Scotland and a sizable score to help Ireland get off to a perfect start in the tournament as favorites.

France, meanwhile, had defeated Italy and held off a late Wales rally in Cardiff.

In Paris, England were unable to overcome a 17-7 half-time deficit despite a late comeback from the hosts.

A gruesome victory over Scotland and an impressive victory over Ireland secured the Grand Slam for Les Bleus, while England hammered Wales and Italy in their final two matches.