France’s 41-28 win against Wales has blown Super Saturday and the 2023 Guinness Six Nations wide open.
The result leaves Les Bleus one point ahead of Ireland in the table with an inferior points difference, meaning there are plenty of scenarios where either side could walk away with the Championship.
Either team would be a worthy winner, particularly after their breath-taking encounter in Dublin that saw the hosts wrap up a 32-19 win following an instant classic at Aviva Stadium.
But what does France’s bonus-point win against Wales mean for the race for the Championship in the Guinness Six Nations? Let us run through the permutations.
How do Ireland win?
The 2023 Guinness Six Nations is still in Ireland’s hands.
They will welcome England to the Aviva Stadium later this evening, and Steve Borthwick’s side will be desperate to bounce back from last week’s historic loss against France at the first time of asking.
England recorded their biggest-ever home loss in Round 4, falling to a 53-10 loss against Les Bleus at Twickenham.
Ireland can make things easy for themselves, if they win, they will clinch the title and the Grand Slam.
In fact, they are guaranteed to finish on top of the pile so long as they avoid defeat.
That means that a draw, or even a defeat while earning two bonus points (four tries and within seven points), would win them the Championship.
They could even win the Championship following a defeat with one bonus point, so long as they lose by fewer than seven points.
Ireland will win if:
How can France pinch it?
France got the job done against Wales, securing the bonus point they needed and playing some superb rugby.
In doing so, they have put pressure on Ireland, who now need something out of this game against England.
France will win if:
