Wales stand on the cusp of Guinness Six Nations glory once again on Super Saturday but there are still a number of scenarios in play going into the final scheduled round.
The picture was made clearer by Scotland’s defeat to Ireland at BT Murrayfield last weekend, which means only two of the six nations can still win the 2021 Championship title.
As the only team who can still achieve the Grand Slam, Wales are the frontrunners with four wins from four as Wayne Pivac’s side attempt to emulate 2019’s clean sweep.
But France also remain in the hunt for the title despite losing to England at Twickenham and could spoil – or at least delay – the Welsh party in Paris with a victory on Saturday night.
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Les Bleus still have their postponed match against Scotland to play and should everything go their way then Fabien Galthié’s men could wrestle the title away from Wales.
So, as we prepare for a much-anticipated showdown at the Stade de France, we take a look at all the possible scenarios which could see Wales take the crown.
SCENARIOS FOR WALES TITLE
Wales are the only team capable of securing a Grand Slam this year and as a result, they can make things simple by winning at the Stade de France on Saturday.
Victories over Ireland, Scotland, England and the Azzurri last time out mean Pivac’s men have a commanding lead at the top of the standings going into Super Saturday.
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A draw would also be enough for Wales to claim the title in Paris as the two points would take their tally to 21, with no other side able to catch them at the top of the standings.
Even suffering their first loss of the Championship next weekend might not prevent them from securing silverware, although the margin of defeat could prove decisive.
If France only get three more Championship points than Wales, then the visitors will still be crowned 2021 Guinness Six Nations champions in the French capital.
Therefore, if France win without a bonus point and Wales get a bonus point in defeat, that will be enough for Wales to secure their second Championship title in three years.
Even if France get a bonus-point victory in Paris, Wales will still win the title if they score four tries and lose by seven points or less as they will also get two bonus points.
HOW FRANCE COULD SPOIL PARTY
However, a victory for Les Bleus without a bonus point and nothing for Wales would see the title be decided on points difference if France go on to beat Scotland with a bonus point.
Anything less and Wales will be Guinness Six Nations champions.
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If France win with a bonus point and Wales get nothing on Saturday then France would win the title with a bonus-point triumph over Scotland when their rearranged game takes place in Paris.
A standard win over Scotland for France would see the Championship be decided on points difference while anything less than that would mean Wales are crowned champions.
Should Wales get one bonus point in a bonus-point defeat to France, the title would again be decided on points difference if France beat Scotland with a bonus point.
Anything less and Wales will be Guinness Six Nations champions.
One thing’s for certain if Wales lose on Saturday night, they could face a nervous wait to see if they will be crowned winners of Rugby’s Greatest Championship as it will be out of their hands.
