Six Nations title permutations

Ireland, England and France all head into Saturday's final round of Six Nations matches with a chance of winning the title. Photo by: Stefan Wermuth/Reuters

Ireland, England and France all head into Saturday's final round of Six Nations matches with a chance of winning the title. Photo by: Stefan Wermuth/Reuters

Published Mar 14, 2014

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London – Ireland, England and France all head into Saturday's final round of Six Nations matches with a chance of winning the title.

The three teams are level at the top of the standings on six points after each recording three wins from four matches.

We look at the possible permutations that could decide the destiny of this season's Six Nations:

Ireland

The Irish are in pole position as they have a cumulative points difference of +81 and a points difference advantage of +49 over second-placed England.

Points difference is the initial tie-breaker if teams are level on tournament match points.

Ireland play France in the final match of the Championship Ä

Saturday's kick-off times have been staggered to ensure the largest possible television audience despite criticism this creates an unfair advantage for the two sides playing last.

Realistically, any sort of Ireland win is likely to give them the title. But defeat or a draw Ä the result of their last two matches against France Ä could see them pipped at the post should England beat Italy in Rome.

England

England are in the trickiest position of all three contenders given, as their match against Italy in Rome is the first of the day, they won't know exactly what's required of them when they kick off.

The first order of business for England is to maintain their perfect winning record against Italy as a shock loss would scupper their title hopes, with either France and/or Ireland guaranteed to add their tournament points tally.

England currently have a +29 points difference advantage over third-placed France.

If England beat Italy, a subsequent narrow French win could see them take the title after two successive runners-up finishes in coach Stuart Lancaster's two previous Six Nations in charge.

Equally, an England win in Rome allied to a draw in Paris would see Lancaster's men lift the trophy.

France

Must beat Ireland as a draw or defeat won't be enough to finish on top, regardless of what happens to England in Rome. If England lose, just beating Ireland will be enough to give France the title.

However should England, as widely expected, defeat Italy, then France will need to beat Ireland and beat them well to take the title on points difference.

France haven't lost to Ireland in France since 2000 and their previous defeat by the Irish on home soil was back in 1972. – Sapa-AFP

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