And so onto the final lap of a Six Nations title race that promised so much for Ireland but, unlike last year, is now highly unlikely to deliver celebratory scenes and silverware

France can wrap up the Six Nations title with a victory over Scotland as the championship reaches its denouement. Their Dublin dismantling of Ireland has left Fabien Galthie’s men on the verge of triumph even after the brutal injury blow sustained by captain Antoine Dupont in that encounter.

Gregor Brown will make his first Six Nations start for Scotland after the Glasgow lock was included for their tournament finale at leaders France on Saturday. Scotland, who've never finished higher than third in the Six Nations era -- their last title came in the final edition of the old Five Nations in 1999 -- are currently fourth and effectively out of championship contention once again.