Six Nations title permutations - who needs what?

Which team will get their hands on the Six Nations trophy on Saturday?

Three teams realistically remain in the Six Nations title race going into Super Saturday.

France lead the way at the top of the standings, while second-place England and Ireland in third both retain title ambitions.

Fourth-place Scotland can also still mathematically lift the trophy, but they would need to beat France with a bonus point and overturn their mammoth advantage on points difference, while also relying on unlikely results elsewhere.

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 fewer than seven points.

BBC Sport looks at the route to silverware for this year's Six Nations title contenders.

Super Saturday schedule and BBC coverage

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

Saturday, 15 March

Italy v Ireland (14:15) - ITV & BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

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

France v Scotland (20:00) - 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 still secure the title if England and Ireland fail to claim the maximum return from their final round matches.

France can also lose and still win the title if Scotland fail to claim a bonus and overturn their advantage on points difference, and England and Ireland also lose without claiming bonus points against Wales and Italy, respectively.

What do England need?

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

A victory without the bonus may also be enough for Steve Borthwick's side if France fail to win without a try-scoring bonus.

A draw or a defeat with two bonus points will also end England's five-year wait for the title if France and Ireland both lose without claiming bonus points.

What do Ireland need?

Ireland will win a third consecutive title if they beat Italy with a bonus point and both France and England lose.

But a five-point match haul is unlikely to be enough for Simon Easterby's side if France pick up three points by drawing with Scotland in a high-drawing match.

A draw with a bonus or defeat with two could also be enough if they finish with a better points difference over France and England, who must both also lose without claiming bonus points.

What do Scotland need?

Scotland have to beat France with a bonus point and surpass them on points difference, while also ensuring Les Bleus do not earn any bonuses.

In that scenario, they would also need to better England's points difference, assuming they lose to Wales but earn a bonus point.

If they settle both of those factors, they would also need to better Ireland's points difference in the case they fail to beat Italy but collect two bonus points.

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 have yet to pick up any bonus points, but beat Wales in round two.

Wales' points difference is currently -65 which is superior to Italy's -77 and could prove crucial.

In most scenarios, if Wales gain one more match point than Italy then they should finish higher than their rivals.

If the Italians gain a losing bonus point, Wales would need to draw or secure two losing bonus points.

If Italy beat Ireland with a bonus point then Wales will definitely have the Wooden Spoon, regardless of what occurs in Cardiff.

If Italy win with no bonus points then Wales will need to secure a maximum victory against England and hope their points difference superiority remains.