Super Saturday is upon us once again, and once again the destination of the Six Nations trophy will not be decided until the last day. It will be a day for the mathematicians as England look to make up a massive points deficit to reclaim the trophy for the first time since 2011. Ireland's points difference of 81 means that England will have to thump Italy by 60 or 70 points depending on Ireland's result in Paris.
With that in mind it has to be said that it is very much Ireland's to lose. They have the superior points difference, they have been playing outstanding rugby and they the worst French side in years. However, Paris is not a happy hunting ground for the Irish. They have not won there sine Brian O'Driscoll's hat-trick in 2000. As the great man retires it feels a fitting way to bookend his stellar career in the green of Ireland.
England play first on this championship deciding weekend. It is a strange situation for the English as they will need to take chances and look for tries and rattle up the scoreboard, without knowing whether they need too necessarily. If France win in Paris later that afternoon then England only need a win, but as this tournament has proved more than any other, you should never rely on the French.
This is a French team that are somehow still in the hunt for the title. Given their shocking performances it is a feat that they are still in the running. It would take two phenomenal results to give France the title but it might give them the added impetus to beat the Irish.
With Louis Picamoles returning to the team he will provide some go forward for the French but their all round game will need to improve drastically. In front of their own fans however they are a different challenge altogether and Ireland with know they have to be wary.
Momentum is crucial in the Six Nations in such an intense competition with only 5 games, whoever gains it normally wins. Ireland seem to have it this year, they did slip up against the English but played well regardless. It could be the fairy-tale ending for Brian O'Driscoll and it is up to the rest of the squad to make it happen.
The middle game of Satuday has become a non-event. The game that was set to see Wales create history can now only see them retain some hope from a turgid campaign. Changes have been made after the Twickenham embarrassment; Dan Biggar and Mike Phillips the most notable. If Biggar plays well on Saturday he could stake a claim for the jersey going into the world cup.
The dead rubber game with be two teams trying to find some positives after a poor Six Nations. If Scotland had won last week like they should have then they would have a chance to drop Wales to 5th just by winning. It will not be the game on everyone's lips, that will be in Paris this year. However, there will be a lot of attacking flair on show in Cardiff and I expect both teams to go out and play attractive rugby. What have they got to lose?
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