How can France win the Six Nations at Murrayfield?

The penultimate round of the Six Nations takes place this weekend with France able to secure back-to-back titles by beating Scotland on Saturday.

To keep their championship hopes alive, Andy Farrell’s Ireland need a big win over Wales on Friday.

But should Ireland win without a bonus point, or lose, Les Bleus would need any sort of victory in Edinburgh to secure the title.

A bonus-point win at Murrayfield for Fabien Galthie’s side, who have won every game with maximum points so far, is enough to claim the crown regardless of other results.

If France lose but pick up at least a point, or Scotland win without a bonus point, Galthie’s side remain in control given their superior points difference.

A Scotland bonus-point win and nothing for the visitors would leave Gregor Townsend’s side in a position to win the title by claiming another maximum-point win in their final match against Ireland in Dublin.

After missing out on a bonus point against Italy, Farrell’s side will likely need last year’s champions to lose their final two games to keep alive their hopes.

Round 4

Friday 6 March

20:10 – Ireland v Wales, Aviva Stadium, Dublin

Saturday 7 March

14:10 – Scotland v France, Murrayfield, Edinburgh, BBC One from 13:00

16:40 – Italy v England, Stadio Olimpico, Rome

Round 5

Saturday 14 March

14:10 – Ireland v Scotland, Aviva Stadium, Dublin

16:40 – Wales v Italy, Principality Stadium, Cardiff, BBC One from 16:00

20:10 – France v England, Stade de France, Paris

Italy and England are all but out of title contention after both managed only one win from the first three games.

Wales remain without a win but after an improved performance at home against Scotland, defeating Ireland in Dublin or Italy in Cardiff will likely be required to avoid a third consecutive Wooden Spoon.

If England win in Rome and deny the hosts picking up any extra points then Italy, who won their opening game against Scotland, will be in danger of a 19th Wooden Spoon.

Defeat for England in Rome against Italy on Saturday, without picking up any points, would leave Steve Borthwick’s side in danger of finishing bottom of the Six Nations for the first time.

Back-to-back defeats without picking up any points will leave England on five points, with Wales able to finish above Borthwick’s side by winning one of their remaining games with a bonus point because of their hefty negative points difference – or picking up a losing bonus point and a win.