The 2025 Six Nations is heading into the business end, and the title race is wide open with just two rounds remaining.
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Three teams – Ireland, France, and England – are still in contention, but only one can lift the trophy on 15 March.
Ireland chasing history
Andy Farrell’s men (well, Simon Easterby’s for now) are on the brink of history, aiming to become the first team ever to win three outright Six Nations titles in a row.
So far, it’s been smooth sailing for the Irish, who brushed aside England, Scotland, and Wales. But two big tests remain – a showdown with France in Dublin and a final-day trip to Rome. Win both, and they’ll complete a Grand Slam to take the title in style.
Even if they draw against France and beat Italy, that might be enough – but only if they grab at least one bonus point or their points difference is better than England’s if both teams finish level on 20 points.
A loss to France would make things complicated. Ireland currently lead Les Bleus by three tournament points, but France’s superior points difference (+91 to Ireland’s +28) means Easterby’s side would likely need to finish at least one point ahead to take the title. That means either picking up multiple bonus points in defeat or hoping Scotland can do them a favour by stopping France on the final day.
France back in the fight
After a shock round two loss to England, France bounced back by hammering Italy 73-24 – their biggest-ever Six Nations win. That result, combined with their opening 43-0 thrashing of Wales, means they have a huge points difference advantage over their title rivals.
It’s simple for Fabien Galthie’s side – beat Ireland in Dublin, and they’re right back in the mix. A loss, and their title hopes are over.
If France restrict Ireland to one bonus point or fewer in defeat, they will move ahead of them with a bonus-point win over Scotland on the final day. They also currently lead England by one tournament point, which gives them a slight cushion.
Two bonus-point wins over Ireland and Scotland would leave them on 20 points, meaning England could only finish above them on points difference. Given how ruthless France have been against weaker sides, that’s a battle England are unlikely to win.
England need a miracle
Steve Borthwick’s side have shown resilience with dramatic wins over France and Scotland, but they are the outsiders in this race.
For England to win the title, they must get bonus-point wins over Italy and Wales to move to 20 points. Even then, they need other results to go their way.
Their ideal scenario? France beat Ireland in round four without allowing them a bonus point. That would put England ahead of Ireland, but points difference could still decide the title. Ireland currently have a +28 points difference, while England sit at -3.
England also need France to win without picking up too many bonus points. If Les Bleus take maximum points from their last two games, England will be unable to overtake them.
The key fixtures to decide the title
Round four
- Ireland vs France – Aviva Stadium, Dublin (8 March, 2:15pm, ITV)
- Scotland vs Wales – Murrayfield, Edinburgh (8 March, 4:45pm, BBC)
- England vs Italy – Twickenham, London (9 March, 3:00pm, ITV)
Round five
- Italy vs Ireland – Stadio Olimpico, Rome (15 March, 2:15pm, ITV)
- Wales vs England – Principality Stadium, Cardiff (15 March, 4:45pm, BBC)
- France vs Scotland – Stade de France, Paris (15 March, 8:00pm, ITV)
Ireland remain favourites, but France have momentum, and England are clinging to hope. Two rounds remain to decide it all.
