The climax to the 2021 Guinness Six Nations is finally here as France host Scotland looking to snatch the title out of the hands of Wales, who can only watch on – becoming temporary Scots for the day.
After missing out on the Grand Slam in the cruellest of circumstances on Super Saturday, Wales fans may have felt bereft but that could be lifted this evening if the trophy heads for Cardiff.
France welcome Scotland to the Stade de France in a game that was postponed from Round 3, with Les Bleus having the opportunity to win the Championship for the first time since 2010 and they are masters of their own destiny.
Wales are currently top of the table on 20 points, with France in third on 15, so read on to find out the scenarios that need to happen for each of those countries to claim the trophy.
HOW FRANCE CAN WIN THE TITLE
The first job for France is to beat Scotland with a four-try bonus point – anything less than that (a loss, draw or non bonus-point win) means their title hopes are over.
Should Les Bleus secure a bonus-point victory, then top spot will be decided on points difference.
Wales currently have a +61 points difference to France’s +41, so a win of 21 points or more over Scotland, should they score four tries, will be enough for Fabien Galthié’s troops to be 2021 Guinness Six Nations champions.
If, in the unlikely situation, that France secure a bonus-point win and prevail by exactly 20 points, then the winner will be determined by tries scored. Wales have scored 20 tries while France currently have 15, so six more for Les Bleus would do it.
Essentially, a bonus-point win by 21+ points or a 20-point win with at least six tries. Simple. Right…?
HOW WALES CAN WIN THE TITLE
All Welsh rugby fans will become Scotland supporters for the evening next Friday.
If Scotland win, draw or even lose but stop France scoring four tries, then Wales are champions.
Even if Scotland suffer a loss and concede four tries, as long as the final margin of defeat is 19 points or fewer, then the Guinness Six Nations trophy is heading to Cardiff.
CAN THE TITLE BE SHARED?
Yes it can. If France get a bonus-point win over Scotland by EXACTLY 20 points and score EXACTLY five tries, then the two countries would be level on points, points difference and tries scored.
At that point, the Guinness Six Nations title would be shared for the first time since, coincidentally, France and Wales shared the Five Nations crown in 1988…
