Here’s What Ireland Need To Do To Secure The Six Nations Championship This Weekend
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Round 4.
Ireland take on Scotland this weekend knowing they could possibly secure the Six Nations championship with a game to spare, depending on results.
Joe Schmidt’s men have a tough task in front of them however, with Gregor Townsend’s Scotland brimming with confidence after their Calcutta Cup win over neighbours England.
Ireland currently sit top of the Six Nations table, five points clear of nearest rivals England, and six ahead of this weekend’s opponents Scotland. If Ireland better England’s result this weekend then the Championship is over before we get to Twickenham.
So basically, 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. If both Ireland and England get bonus-point wins, Jones’ men could sneak the Championship on the final day, but it’s unlikely.
Getting a try-bonus against Scotland however, is no easy task. So here’s how a few other scenarios we could end up facing this weekend.
– If Ireland BEAT Scotland without a bonus-point and England pick up all five points against France… Eddie Jones’ men would likely need a try-bonus win over Ireland and to deny them a losing bonus in Twickenham (depending on points difference). A win might be enough if they can make up the points differential (Ireland +24), but they MUST deny Ireland a losing bonus-point in this scenario.
– If Ireland DRAW and England win against against France, then a win alone for Eddie Jones’ men will do in Twickenham on Paddy’s Day.
– If Ireland LOSE to Scotland, then two wins 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. They would need England to draw or lose to France and beat Ireland. Then they would need England to win on the final day along with themselves against Italy.
Basically, it’s Ireland’s to lose at this stage.
