Its all down to the final weekend

The best tournaments always come down to the final weekend. And what a final weekend we have in store;

Wales 14:15 Italy

Ireland 16:45 Scotland

France 20:00 England

Both Ireland and France can win it all, with France sitting in pole position having a 100% record. So what can happen; even though Ireland have a loss against France, they achieved four bonus points to France’s two. And then there is the points difference; Ireland 84 to France’s 56. Ireland have also been the most prolific try scorers crossing the white line twenty times, six more than France.

What are some of the important scenarios;

• Ireland could take the title if they draw against Scotland and France lose to England or if they beat Scotland and France lose to England or draw without a bonus point.
• If Ireland beat Scotland with a bonus point, France must win to take the title.
• In the unlikely scenario that Ireland lose to Scotland but claim both a four-try bonus point and a losing bonus point, they would need France to lose to England or draw without a bonus point to give them a chance at taking the title on points difference.

France are playing well…..very well and are at home against an English side that is under performing yet again under Eddie Jones. It’s conceivable that England can finish fifth for the second year running and with a negative PD. England, Scotland and Wales can all finish as high as third and as low as fifth depending on how the results play out.

In case you live under a rock, here is the table going into the final weekend;

Rank	Team	Played	Won	Lost	Drawn	For	Against	PD	Bonus	Points
1	France	4	4	0	0	116	60	56	2	18
2	Ireland	4	3	1	0	142	58	84	4	16
3	England	4	2	2	0	88	71	17	2	10
4	Scotland	4	2	2	0	87	95	– 8	2	10
5	Wales	4	1	3	0	55	82	– 27	2	6
6	Italy	4	0	4	0	38	160	– 122	0	0

Just as a reminder; Four points are awarded for a win, two for a draw and there are bonus points on offer for scoring four or more tries or losing by seven points or fewer.