It all rests on this. The destination of the Guinness Six Nations title comes down to the very last game, with France and Ireland battling it out in Paris while current leaders England await the outcome and hope it falls in their favour.
England beat Italy 34-5 in the second game of Round 5 to move four points clear at the top of the table but both France and Ireland have the opportunity to leapfrog Eddie Jones’ side and claim Championship glory.
Here’s what both of them need to do to make their Saturday a super one…
IRELAND
The equation is simple for Ireland, whose destiny is in their own hands.
Andy Farrell’s men know that a bonus-point victory in Paris – a win combined with scoring four or more tries – will be enough to secure the Championship crown.
If Ireland win without a bonus point, the outcome will come down to points difference.
England’s win moved them on to +44, while Ireland go into tonight’s game on +38.
A win by seven points or more, therefore, even without a bonus point, would be enough for the trophy to end up in Dublin.
If Ireland win by six points and the points difference is level, the next deciding factor is tries scored.
Both Ireland and England have currently scored 14, so Andy Farrell’s side need only one try to move clear of England.
But if Ireland win by six points without scoring a try, the Championship will be shared.
FRANCE
France must better England’s victory margin by at least two points – and record a bonus point in the process – if they are to earn a first Championship since 2010.
That means Les Bleus must win by 31 points or more, which would represent France’s biggest victory over Ireland since a 44-5 success that sealed a Grand Slam in 2002.
If the two sides finish level on points difference, it’s advantage France under tries scored. England have scored 14, a tally France – currently on 13 – would naturally overhaul should they achieve the bonus point they need.
SUPER SATURDAY SO FAR
The crunch clash in Paris rounds off a thrilling triple-header, which began with Scotland winning in Wales for the first time since 2002.
Stuart McInally’s second half try proved decisive in a 14-10 victory for Gregor Townsend’s men, who came back from 7-6 down at half-time to claim the spoils at a blustery Parc y Scarlets.
Rhys Carre went over for Wales, who saw captain Alun Wyn Jones become the most capped international Test player of all time, but Wayne Pivac’s side finish in fifth.
Another player marking a milestone was Ben Youngs, who was in inspired form on his 100th England appearance.
The scrum-half scored his side’s first two tries against a stubborn Italy outfit, who went over themselves in a cagey first half through Jake Polledri.
Jamie George, winning his 50th cap, scored England’s third try before Tom Curry touched down for the vital bonus point score with 12 minutes to play.
Knowing points difference could be crucial, the visitors kept going in search of further points and Henry Slade’s late try boosted the victory margin.
The Red Rose will now anxiously await the result from Paris as they look to end the evening celebrating a first Championship since 2017.
