How England can still win the 2025 Six Nations: Title permutations

Today at 10:39 AM

The 2025 Six Nations is heading into the business end, and the title race is wide open with just two rounds remaining. Three teams – Ireland, France, and England – are still in contention, but only one can lift the trophy on 15 March.

Find your local Greene King and settle in for the 2025 Six Nations!

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.

EDITORS PICKS:

• Antoine Dupont didn't hesitate when naming his toughest opponent so far
• Eight Players Who Flopped in Round Three of the Six Nations
• Owen Farrell has given his answer to Leicester Tigers following approach
• Scotland fans want game replayed after referee 'cost' Finn Russell as unseen clip goes viral
• Four players Steve Borthwick should call-up after England A dismantle Ireland A

Five British and Irish Lions hopefuls who FLOPPED in Six Nations round three

Steve Borthwick's men survived a late scare as Finn Russell's conversion slid wide, allowing them to snatch their first win over Scotland since 2020. Meanwhile, Wales looked revitalized under Matt Sherratt, producing their best display of the tournament so far.

But who had a weekend to forget? RUCK Editor Steve Smith takes a look at five players who struggled in round three.

Henry Slade – England

So much talent, yet another disappointing display on the international stage. Slade had a torrid time against Scotland, missing key tackles that left England exposed.

His defensive lapses piled pressure on his teammates, while his attacking contribution was minimal—offering little creativity in midfield. With fierce competition for places, could this be the end of the road for him under Steve Borthwick?

Nowhere near the Lions conversation right now.

Finn Russell – Scotland

A night to forget for Scotland's co-captain. While his passing and movement constantly tested England's defence, his goal-kicking proved costly.

In a game of fine margins, his missed kicks—especially the late conversion that drifted wide—ultimately defined the result. A fly-half of his quality is expected to deliver in clutch moments, and he'll know he left points behind. Scotland fans won't let this one slide easily.

The Lions will want their No. 10 to be reliable off the tee. Fin Smith and Sam Prendergast are breathing down his neck.

Jack Dempsey – Scotland

Struggled to make his mark in an intense physical battle. He carried with intent but was let down by handling errors and poor decision-making at key moments.

Scotland needed stability in the back row, but Dempsey was too often on the fringes rather than in the thick of it. A frustrating afternoon where his effort wasn't matched by execution, leaving Scotland's pack without the control he was expected to bring.

The No. 8 jersey for the Lions remains up for grabs, though Caelan Doris leads the charge for the 2025 tour.

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