Rugby Union
Scotland to spring a final round shock in Six Nations?
The final round of the 2026 Six Nations Championship is finally upon us and there is still so much to play for!
Nothing has been decided at the top or the bottom of the table, with the trophy and wooden spoon both still up for grabs.
The table doesn’t look as many would have predicted after lacklustre performances from England and surprisingly strong showings from Scotland and Ireland, meaning France still haven’t secured the title for which they were odds-on at the beginning of February.
Let’s take a look at how the final round could unfold.
Ireland v Scotland – Saturday 14th March, 14:10
The fixture that kicks off Saturday’s action is an incredibly important edition of the Centenary Quaich. Ireland headed into the championship with high hopes and, despite a shaky start, have really got things together and remain live contenders to reclaim the crown.
They’ll have to win here to have a chance at doing so, and they are 1/2 favourites to get the job done in front of their home fans at the Aviva Stadium.
Scotland will have had their sights set on improving on last year’s fourth-place finish, and they’re already guaranteed to do so. Gregor Townsend’s position as head coach had been under threat after their opening weekend loss to Italy. Since then they’ve proved to be a formidable force, beating England, France and Wales in taking style. They cannot be taken lightly at 13/8 here, and might just be the value play.
Both sides will have to win and then hope that England can get the better of France in the late game, with Scotland the shorter of the two at 6/1 for the title, while Ireland are 13/2.
Wales v Italy – Saturday 14th March, 16:40
Wales welcome Italy in the game that has the least on the line. Neither of these sides are in contention for the championship, and Wales are cemented to the bottom of the table for the third year in a row.
Italy have had a strong campaign and are unsurprisingly the odds-on favourites here at 4/7. They could still sneak third place depending on other results, which would be their best finish in the Six Nations to date.
Wales, on the other hand, will finish bottom yet again. That said, there have been glimmers of light emerging from some improved performances against Scotland and Ireland. That sees them head into this one at 7/5 to get that elusive Six Nations win
France v England – Saturday 14th March, 20:10
The final game of this year’s championship sees England travel to reigning champions France. Before the tournament started, many expected this to be a title decider, and it still could be! However, England will not be playing for their own championship chances, as losses to Scotland, Ireland and Italy have put them out of the running and Steve Borthwick’s position is now reported to be under threat.
France have been the dominant force yet again and remain odds-on favourites to defend their crown at 2/9, as all they need to do is secure a bonus-point win here. That will be easier said than done, though, as their loss to Scotland in the last round proved to everyone that they can be beaten.
One of Scotland or Ireland will be hoping England can overcome their 5/1 odds here and bring the title back to the British Isles.
