Six Nations 2015: England, Wales and Ireland set for title-decider
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RBS Six Nations on the BBC: Saturday, 21 March (All times GMT) |
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Watch, listen and follow live text commentary of the Six Nations conclusion on the BBC Sport website from 11:30 |
Italy v Wales: 12:10-14:25, BBC One & 12:15-14:30, Radio 5 live sports extra |
Scotland v Ireland: 14:25-16:30, BBC One & 14:30-16:30, Radio 5 live sports extra |
England v France: 16:30-19:00, BBC One and 17:00-18:45, BBC Radio 5 live |
Live scores and results on online, mobile, the BBC Sport app and Connected TV. |
It should be a three-way fight between England, Ireland and Wales for the Six Nations title on Saturday, although France still have an outside chance.
The top three are locked on six points with three wins apiece but England's points difference (+37) puts them first, ahead of Ireland (+33) and Wales (+12).
France are fourth with four points and a points difference of +22.
Philippe Saint-Andre's side could still steal the title if Wales and Ireland lose and Les Bleus then beat England by a margin of eight points or more, but that looks a remote possibility.
If teams are level on both points and points difference, then England should win the Championship because they have scored more tries than their rivals. They have 11, while Wales have five and Ireland just four.
In the highly unlikely event teams are level on points, points difference and tries scored, the trophy will be shared.
Wales are in action first on the final day, with an away game in Italy (12:30 GMT). Ireland are next up against Scotland at Murrayfield (14:30 GMT), while England host France at Twickenham at 17:00 GMT.
Wales (v Italy, kick-off 12:30 GMT)
As they did in 2013, Wales have recovered from a poor start to haul themselves back into title contention.
An opening defeat by England dented confidence and shattered hopes of a third Grand Slam under Warren Gatland.
But victories against Scotland, France and Ireland have given them a chance of lifting the Six Nations trophy again.
The odds are against Wales. They travel to Italy with the daunting task of having to win handsomely, knowing that even that might not be enough should Ireland beat Scotland or England win against France.
They need to win by at least 26 points to better England's points difference, while a 22-point victory is required to leapfrog Ireland.
Italy's away win against Scotland showed what a threat they can be. They will only be stronger in Rome. All Wales can do is win big and hope other results go their way.
Warren Gatland has made two changes to his starting XV. Aaron Jarvis comes in at at tight-head prop and Rob Evans makes his first start at loose-head in place of the injured Samson Lee and Gethin Jenkins.
Ireland (v Scotland 14:30 GMT)
Hopes of a Grand Slam may have evaporated in their defeat by Wales, but Ireland still have a strong chance of winning the title.
They are away against winless Scotland, aiming to pile more misery on Vern Cotter's squad.
After losing to Wales, Irish confidence may be dented. But against a Scotland team seemingly destined for the Wooden Spoon, they are still strong title contenders.
Ireland make two changes from the Wales defeat, as winger Luke Fitzgerald comes in for Simon Zebo and loose-head prop Cian Healy replaces Jack McGrath.
They have the benefit of knowing what Wales will have done, but must win well to put England under pressure when they face France.
England (v France 17:00 GMT)
England have the advantage of playing last, as well as a superior points difference, so they will know what they have to do.
France might not be ideal opposition for their final match, but Les Bleus have been as frustrating and underwhelming as ever this year, losing to Ireland and Wales.
England, with lock Geoff Parling replacing Dave Attwood in their only change from the victory over Scotland on 14 March, have not won the title since 2011. But, against an underachieving French side, they will be hopeful of ending that wait.
The French have made two changes from the side that beat Italy, both enforced by injury, as Jules Plisson replaces Camille Lopez at fly-half while Vincent Debaty starts at loose-head prop in place of Eddy Ben Arous.
If the Irish and Welsh both lose their matches, then the match at Twickenham effectively becomes a title decider.
Although England will be favourites, should both Wales and Ireland lose, then France could pull off the unlikeliest of title heists.
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