Six Nations title permutations - who needs what?

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Media caption,

How French power game has made them Six Nations title favourites

Three teams remain in the Six Nations title race on Super Saturday.

Ireland's bonus-point win over Italy moved them top of the standings, but their championship rivals France and England are still to play in the final round.

The result in Rome ended Scotland's unlikely title hopes.

France led the standings heading into the final day and remain favourites to win the tournament, while England will leapfrog Ireland with a victory over Wales in Cardiff.

If sides finish level on points, including bonuses, the title will be decided on points difference.

A try-scoring bonus is awarded to teams who score four or more in one match, while losing bonus points can be earned if teams are beaten by seven points or fewer.

Super Saturday schedule and kick-off times

Kick-off times in brackets. Coverage is subject to late changes, so details may differ from this page. All times are GMT

Saturday, 15 March

Italy 17-22 Ireland

Wales v England (16:45) at Principality Stadium - BBC One from 16:00-19:00 - BBC Radio 5 Live

France v Scotland (20:00) at Stade de France - ITV & BBC Radio 5 Live

What do France need?

France's destiny is in their own hands and they will claim the title with a bonus-point win over Scotland at Stade de France.

Victory without a bonus is also likely to be enough because of their superior points difference of +106, compared to England's +20.

A draw with a bonus point will also secure the title for Les Bleus if England fail to claim a maximum return against Wales.

What do England need?

England will win the Six Nations if they beat Wales with a bonus point and France fail to beat Scotland.

Given England's superior points difference over Ireland, a victory without a bonus will also be enough for Steve Borthwick's side - if France fail to win without a try bonus.

What do Ireland need?

Ireland have done their bit after securing five points in Rome, but must now hope results go their way in Cardiff and Paris to secure a third consecutive title.

The defending champions need England not to beat Wales and France to lose to Scotland.

If France pick up three points by drawing with Scotland in a high-scoring match it would also deny Ireland the title.

Media caption,

'Ugo said he'd shave his chest if England lose to Wales!'

What if England or Ireland win the Six Nations?

If France win the Six Nations they will receive the trophy on the field at the Stade de France.

But if they lose to Scotland and England beat them to top spot, all eyes will return to Cardiff.

Should it appear at half-time as though France could be upstaged, England will leave their team hotel and return to the Principality Stadium.

If they become champions, they will be presented with the trophy on the pitch once the climax to the tournament in Paris is completed, around 22:00 GMT.

Ireland will be at a post-match function as events in Cardiff and Paris unfold, so their trophy presentation would take place in Dublin on Sunday. However, they would receive their winners medals in Rome.

Who has won the most Six Nations titles?

England have won the most titles with seven since the championship became the Six Nations in 2000, but have not lifted the trophy since 2020.

Wales, Ireland and France have all won six titles, while Scotland and Italy have never won it.

Wales and France lead the way when it comes to Grand Slams with four each, Ireland have three and England two.

Ireland have won the Triple Crown eight times, with England and Wales on five each. Scotland have yet to lift the Triple Crown trophy.

Recent Six Nations winners

2024: Ireland

2023: Ireland*

2022: France*

2021: Wales

2020: England

2019: Wales*

2018: Ireland*

2017: England

2016: England*

2015: Ireland

* Grand Slam (winning all five matches)

How do Wales avoid back-to-back Wooden Spoons?

Wales are competing against Italy in the battle to avoid the Wooden Spoon for finishing bottom of the table.

Wales, who finished sixth last year after losing every match, have secured three bonus points this year, but are propping up the standings after four straight defeats.

Italy picked up a crucial losing bonus point against Ireland and beat Wales in round two.

Wales' points difference is currently -65 which is superior to Italy's -82, meaning Wales would need at least a draw or secure two losing bonus points against England.

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