As the Six Nations moves into its final (official) weekend, the result is far from a foregone conclusion with France and Wales both still in the running.
READ: Stander is a ‘shining example’ for residency rule
Wales are currently favourites to lift the trophy. They sit atop the table with four wins from four (including three bonus points) giving them 19 points.
Ireland are in second position with 11 points. However, with only one game to play and eight points adrift, it is impossible for the men in green to catch Wales. This is also the case for England (10 points), Scotland (six points) and Italy (0 points).
France, although they have only 10 points and sit in third position, are the only side still capable of catching Wales. Earlier in the tournament their game against Scotland was postponed indefinitely – meaning that they still have two games to play.
The maximum amount of points a side can take from a game is five (four for the win and one for a try-scoring bonus point). This means that two bonus-point victories for France could have them pip Wales with 20 points to 19. All eyes will, therefore, be on the France vs Wales clash this coming Sunday evening in Paris.
In order to keep their Six Nations hopes alive France will need to beat Wales with a bonus point, and deny the Welsh a losing bonus point. The French will then need to win their rescheduled game against Scotland (whenever that is), also with a bonus point.
It is worth noting that should France and Wales finish level on the table, it will be the side with the better points difference who is awarded the Championship.
Wales currently have a better points difference than France and so seem the likelier of the two to win if it came to this. However, a big Welsh loss on Sunday could shift the landscape.
For Wales the narrative is simple: win on Sunday and the Championship is theirs. Even a losing bonus point would probably be enough to see them home.
