SIX NATIONS PERMUTATIONS

How Ireland can win the title with a game to spare

ALL the talk around Ireland has been about the prospect of claiming back-to-back Six Nations Grand Slams – a feat never before achieved by any team in the competition’s history.

Best case scenario, the reigning champions will have to wait until their March 16 meeting with Scotland to see if they can break new ground and secure that second consecutive Grand Slam.

However, the championship itself could be retained by then if Ireland do the requisite job at Twickenham in round four.

There are certain permutations standing between Ireland and a defending their title with a game to spare. The current standings in the Six Nations is: Ireland (15 points) lead the way after three rounds ahead of Scotland (9) and England (8).

A home draw against Italy has effectively ended France’s hopes, while Wales and Italy are unable to catch Ireland. As a result, Ireland will win the Six Nations in round four if:

IRELAND CLAIM A BONUS-POINT VICTORY

Ireland’s six-point advantage at the summit means they will be crowned champions if they claim maximum points against England.

Simply put, Ireland will emulate Joe Schimdt’s side of 2015 if they can beat England at Twickenham, while claiming a bonuspoint by scoring four or more tries.

IRELAND BEAT ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND FAIL TO GET A WINNING BONUS POINT AGAINST ITALY

Scotland need to make ground on Ireland and reduce that sixpoint deficit when they take on the Azzurri. If Ireland beat England then Scotland will need to go one better and claim all five points on offer in Rome.

Doing so will cut the deficit to five going into the final round, giving them a mathematical chance of winning the trophy.

Matching Ireland’s haul will keep the gap at six and ensure that Ireland won’t be caught.

IRELAND BEAT ENGLAND, SCOTLAND DRAW OR LOSE IN ROME

Victory against England will ensure Ireland are Six Nations champions for a second time under Farrell, in the event that Scotland falter on the road to Italy.

If Scotland draw with Italy, they can claim a maximum of three points (with a try-scoring bonus), leaving them on 12 points and seven adrift of a victorious Ireland.

If Scotland lose, then a maximum of two points are up for grabs, consigning them to 11 points at best – eight points behind Ireland. That scenario would give Ireland an unassailable margin over Scotland going into their final round battle.

IRELAND DRAW WITH ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND FAIL TO CLAIM MORE THAN TWO POINTS VS ITALY

Such an outcome would see both sides claim two points, meaning the six-point margin would not be reduced — as is necessary for Gregor Townsend’s men.

Meanwhile, England would still fall out of contention as a level game would see Ireland maintain their current seven-point advantage with just a game to spare.

It is worth noting that a fourtry bonus-point on top of a draw may be enough for Ireland.

That event would take them to 22 points, meaning Scotland will need at least a win to hack away at the aforementioned six-point deficit.