Six Nations title permutations: What England need to win the championship ahead of France finale

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There are just three fixtures of the 2025 Six Nations remaining and the title race has taken shape with three teams still harbouring ambitions of lifting the trophy on “Super Saturday”.

France’s emphatic win over Ireland establishes Fabien Galthie’s side as favourites for the title, with the hosts’ grand slam dreams dashed in Dublin. A bonus-point victory takes France clear of their penultimate opponents at the top of the table despite defeat to England earlier in the tournament.

Ireland are still in the hunt as they chase an unprecedented three-peat, though a third straight title is now unlikely for Simon Easterby’s men after a scrappy showing against Italy.

England, meanwhile, also still have hope after trouncing Italy as they take on Wales.

Here’s what each team needs to win the title but first, a look at the current table and the remaining fixtures:

2025 Six Nations ‘Super Saturday’

Italy 17-22 Ireland
Saturday 15 March: Wales v England – Principality Stadium, Cardiff (4.45pm, BBC)
Saturday 15 March: France v Scotland – Stade de France, Paris (8pm, ITV)

Ireland have become used to silverware over the past couple of years but face an uphill struggle (Getty Images)

FRANCE

France’s bonus-point win over Ireland takes them on to 16 competition points. Another bonus point win against Scotland in their final fixture will make certain of the title, with no other team able to reach 21 points.

Were they to win without a bonus point, England could match their tally of 20 points – though France’s vastly superior points difference (a mammoth 86 points better than England’s) gives them a huge advantage, with that being the determining factor rather than head-to-head, making England’s round two win count for little. In reality, a win of any description will see Les Bleus crowned champions.

A defeat to Scotland would open the door, though, particularly if France are denied any bonus points…

ENGLAND

England have to win. France play last on Super Saturday but a five-point England win in Cardiff would leave them on the tally of 20 mentioned above. That would put the pressure on Galthie’s side, while Steve Borthwick’s men would be hoping for a favour from Scotland. In that scenario, if Scotland beat France, then England would be champions.

A win without a bonus point could end up being enough, too – if Les Bleus do lose, the highest mark they could reach would be 18 (with two bonus points), a total England will exceed with any sort of win over Wales. And their chances have been bolstered by…

IRELAND

Ireland did what they had to do to climb to the top of the table despite a scratchy, sloppy showing against Italy. A bonus point win takes them to the top of the table, but the narrow margin leaves their points difference still below that of England – meaning a win of any kind for Steve Borthwick’s side against Wales will be enough to usurp Ireland.

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