Six Nations permutations: France, Scotland and Ireland all in contention for title - but what do they need on Super Saturday?

React to this story

France, Scotland and Ireland all have a shot at lifting the Six Nations trophy on Super Saturday, with Les Bleus currently top of the pile, leading Gregor Townsend's men only on points difference, and Andy Farrell's Ireland side just two points behind. Here is what each of the three countries need to happen in the final round of action this weekend to get their hands on silverware.

Borthwick hails 'special rivalries' at 2026 men's Six Nations launch

Video credit: SNTV

The final round of the 2026 Six Nations will take place this weekend, with all the teams in action on Super Saturday.

Three countries remain in contention for the title, with France leading the way at the top of the standings, and both Scotland and Ireland still in with a chance.

France’s Grand Slam hopes were dashed last weekend as they were stunned by Gregor Townsend’s Scotland side at Murrayfield, but they remain favourites for a second successive title ahead of their home clash with out-of-sorts England.

Six Nations

'It didn’t feel real' – Heyes reflects on ‘rollercoaster’ season with England

12/06/2026 at 13:46

Scotland’s hopes of a first Six Nations title took a significant dent after a surprise defeat in Rome on the opening weekend - where weather conditions made things extremely difficult for both teams - but three wins on the spin have them back in the mix, only trailing France on points difference.

They make the trip to Dublin this weekend to face Ireland, whose campaign also started with defeat as they were convincingly beaten in Paris. But they have also claimed three successive victories and are now just two points adrift of the pace-setters.

Down the other end of the table, England are on the brink of their worst-ever Six Nations following three defeats in a row, most recently against Italy, who could achieve their best-ever Six Nations with a win at bottom-of-the-table Wales.

Here are all the permutations for the final weekend of action, outlining what each of the top three teams need to secure the title.

Super Saturday

14:10 GMT - Ireland v Scotland
16:40 GMT - Wales v Italy
20:10 GMT - France v England

France

France are guaranteed to win the Championship with any kind of victory if Scotland fail to beat Ireland earlier in the day.

If Scotland do claim victory over Ireland, France will also need a win, while matching the number of bonus points Scotland earn.

France’s points difference is 58 points greater than Scotland’s, meaning it is highly unlikely they would need to exceed the points earned by Scotland if they both win.

A draw would be enough for France if Ireland and Scotland draw, or if they get more bonus points than Ireland, should Andy Farrell's side beat Scotland.

France could still win the title with defeat against England, if they were to amass two bonus points in the process.

This would be enough if Scotland and Ireland draw, with Townsend's side failing to get a bonus point, or if Ireland win without a bonus point, unless Farrell's men overturn a points-difference deficit of 63.

This means Ireland could win four games in the tournament and still lose out to France.

'We aren't seeing it' - Why Ashton is 'confused' over England's Six Nations campaign

Video credit: TNT Sports

Scotland

If France fail to beat England, Scotland would win the title with any kind of victory in Dublin.

If France fail to claim a bonus-point win over England, a bonus-point victory would be enough for the Scots, who would need a huge points difference swing if they and France both win with bonus points.

A draw could be sufficient for Townsend's men if England beat France, or if they claim a bonus point in the draw and France draw in Paris without a bonus point.

They could even snatch the title with defeat against Ireland, if they claim two bonus points and lose by two points or fewer.

This would need France to lose against England without two bonus points and for Ireland to miss out on a bonus point.

Again, this would see Ireland miss out on the title, having amassed the most wins in the tournament.

Ireland

Ireland will be hoping England can raise their levels this weekend, because they cannot win the title if France beat Steve Borthwick’s men.

If England beat France, a bonus-point victory would do the trick for Farrell's men, or a win without a bonus point if they could do the unlikely and overcome a points difference deficit of 63.

A draw in Paris could see the title go Ireland's way if they win while earning more bonus points than France, or, again, if they could produce that swing in points difference.

Watch and stream the Gallagher PREM and Premiership Women's Rugby on TNT Sports and discovery+

Rugby