Driving seat.

With England failing to even get a losing bonus-point against Scotland this past weekend, Ireland are now in pole position to win the Six Nations championship for the first time since 2015.

Ireland are now five points clear of their nearest rivals England with two games to go. Up first they’ve got a home fixture against Scotland, with a try-bonus win here all but ending the championship with a round to go, given Ireland’s 24 point score differential over England.

Should Ireland get a try-bonus win over Scotland and England only get four points against France, it’s officially over with a game to go.

Getting a try-bonus against Scotland however, is no easy task. So here’s how a few other scenarios we could end up facing.

If Ireland BEAT Scotland but FAIL to get the bonus, and England pick up maximum points at Twickenham though, then we have a championship battle on our hands. England would need to beat Ireland, make up the score differential AND deny them a losing bonus to secure the championship.

If Ireland DRAW and England pick up all five points against France, then a win along will do in Twickenham on Paddy’s Day.

If Ireland LOSE to Scotland, then two win for England (over France and Ireland) will secure the title.

Scotland also have an outside chance of winning the title, but need a lot to go in their favour.

Basically, it’s Ireland’s to lose at this stage.