The 2018 competition had the added incentive of the top two going to the World Cup in 2021 while the losers would have to win qualifying matches if they hoped to join them.
27th October Ireland vs Scotland Dublin, Ireland.
The hosts hit the ground running and just were too good for the Bravehearts, leading 20-0 when ends were changed. The second half was more even but the damage had been done.
Ireland 36-10 Scotland. (Crowd c. 200).
27th October France vs Wales Carcassonne, France.
Meanwhile France played Wales in the south of the country. As in Ireland, the hosts took early control and soon lead 26-0 in almost as many minutes. However, Wales bounced back and only trailed 12-26 at the break. Again France got a good start and went on to win well in a high scoring encounter.
France 54-18 Wales. (Crowd 4,100).
3rd November Scotland vs Wales Galashiels, Scotland.
The Scots tried to get their campaign back on track when the side from Wales visited. That looked the case when they jumped out to a 12-0 lead in a few minutes. Wales managed to only trail 8-12 when the teams headed for the half time break. After that it was all one way as Wales took control.
Scotland 12-50 Wales. (Crowd c. 250).
3rd November Ireland vs France Dublin, Ireland.
Ireland needed to win if they had any hope of winning the competition. Playing into a stiff wind, they could not contain France and at the break were 0-18 behind. With the wind at their backs, the Wolfhounds did much better but never really threatened.
Ireland 10-24 France. (Crowd c. 250).
11th November France vs Scotland Carcassonne, France.
With France leading the competition and Scotland nothing to play for and it could have been a landslide. Instead it was a tight contest with France only leading 14-4 at the half time hooter. The second half was again a contest with France prevailing.
France 28-10 Scotland. (Crowd 2,850).
11th November Wales vs Ireland Wrexham, Wales.
Wales got their first and only home game in the north of the country. The local lads had the better of the first stanza, going to a 20-0 lead and ahead 20-4 at the break. Amazingly, the points scored were identical to the first half, ensuring Wales the win and passage to the WC secured.
Wales 40-8 Ireland. (Crowd 1,250).
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