As the 2025 Six Nations Championship reaches its climax on Super Saturday, March 15, rugby fans are set for a thrilling finale with multiple teams still vying for the title. Here’s everything you need to know about the decisive day.
Title Contenders
France:
Currently at the top with 16 points, France has the opportunity to clinch the championship by securing a bonus-point victory against Scotland. Even in the absence of a bonus point, a win would probably be adequate, provided that England does not secure a significant victory against Wales.
England:
With 15 points, England needs a bonus-point win against Wales and must hope France either loses or fails to secure a bonus point against Scotland.
Ireland:
Ireland currently stands at 14 points and needs to secure a bonus-point victory against Italy. Additionally, they must depend on both France and England losing their respective matches to have a chance at claiming the title.
Scotland:
While mathematically possible, Scotland’s chances are slim. They would need a bonus-point win over France and other results to go their way to claim the championship.
Super Saturday Fixtures:
Italy vs. Ireland
-Time: 2:15 PM GMT
-Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome
-Broadcast: Live on ITV
Ireland is presently in third place in the standings, holding 14 points, behind France with 16 points and England with 15 points. In order to achieve their third consecutive Six Nations title, Ireland needs to obtain a bonus-point victory against Italy while also relying on favorable results in other matches, particularly losses for both France and England. This situation is reminiscent of the 2007 championship, where Ireland’s significant victory over Italy did not suffice to secure the title, as a late try by France against Scotland altered the outcome.
Ireland Team News
● Jack Crowley has been appointed as the starting fly-half, taking over from Sam Prendergast. After a difficult season, Crowley is keen to capitalise on this chance to solidify his role.
● Garry Ringrose returns from suspension, taking over from Bundee Aki. Wingers Mack Hansen and James Lowe are also back in the starting lineup.
● James Ryan replaces Joe McCarthy in the second row, and Jack Conan comes in for Peter O’Mahony at flanker.
Italy Team News.
● Juan Ignacio Brex has been appointed as captain, with Michele Lamaro moving to the bench.
● Tommaso Allan starts at full-back, allowing Ange Capuozzo to shift to the wing. Martin
● Page-Relo replaces Stephen Varney at scrum-half.
● Gianmarco Lucchesi and Simone Ferrari are introduced into the front row, while Dino Lamb joins Federico Ruzza in the second row.
Wales vs. England
-Time: 4:45 PM GMT
-Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
-Broadcast: Live on BBC
For England, securing a bonus-point victory is crucial to keep their championship hopes alive, depending on France’s outcome against Scotland. In contrast, Wales is working to prevent a winless season and the embarrassment of receiving the Wooden Spoon.
England Team News.
● Head coach Steve Borthwick has made four alterations to the lineup that triumphed over Italy.
● Luke Cowan-Dickie returns at hooker.
● Marcus Smith is reinstated at Full Back.
● Tom Roebuck starts on the wing.
● Ben Curry joins the back row.
Wales Team News.
Interim head coach Matt Sherratt has implemented strategic changes following commendable performances despite recent losses. The team aims to capitalise on home advantage and the fervent support at the Principality Stadium.
● Aaron Wainwright starts at blindside flanker.
● Captain Jac Morgan shifting to openside flanker.
● Taulupe Faletau continues at number eight.
● Joe Roberts, typically a centre for the Scarlets, earns his first start of the championship on the left wing, replacing Tom Rogers, who is sidelined due to a fractured thumb.
● Ellis Mee moves to the right wing,
● Blair Murray retains his position at fullback.
France vs. Scotland
-Time: 8:00 PM GMT
-Venue: Stade de France, Paris
-Broadcast: Live on ITV
As the 2025 Six Nations Championship approaches its conclusion on Super Saturday, the decisive match between France and Scotland at the Stade de France will play a crucial role in deciding the tournament champion. France, currently at the top of the standings with 16 points, has the opportunity to clinch the title with a bonus-point win. Meanwhile, Scotland, sitting at 11 points, seeks to thwart France’s aspirations and conclude their campaign on a positive note.
France Team News.
● Maxime Lucu takes the place of the injured Antoine Dupont. Lucu has consistently demonstrated exceptional performance, effectively rising to the occasion during Dupont’s absence.
● Veteran Gaël Fickou reenters the starting lineup, bringing valuable experience and stability to the midfield.
Scotland Team News.
● Gregor Brown replaces Jonny Gray, who was initially named but withdrew due to injury.
● Matt Fagerson starts at number eight, filling in for the injured Jack Dempsey.
● Scotland’s backline remains unchanged from the Wales victory last week.
