Not many would believe that Ireland still have a hope of lifting the Six Nations trophy considering we were hammered by England earlier this year.
Thankfully France did Ireland a favour by beating England on the opening weekend of he tournament.
Similarly, took a beating at the hands of Wales - so as we face into our final game of the campaign, the hopes of lifting the Six Nations trophy remain high, albeit a bit tempered.
Andy Farrell's side have a clear target in mind when they kick off in Paris this evening. A bonus point win will do the job. Maybe that was easier three of four years ago when French rugby was in turmoil, but today in 2020, its a far more daunting task.
Fabien Galthié has introduced discipline and sturdiness in his team - that combined with the ever present French flair makes for worrying opposition when Ireland may well need to throw caution to the wind and aim for a high scoring affair.
Permutations, Permutations, Permutations
Ultimately, Ireland can reap what they sow today
If they beat France with a bonus point, they will be champions - no questions.
Victory without a bonus point might be enough for even if England beat Italy with a bonus point.
They are 23 points better than England in points difference. If England beat Italy by 30 points - Andy Farrell's men need to beat France by 8 points or, with a winning bonus point
Conceding the final try to Italy last weekend is now becoming a huge problem – as those extra seven points would be a massive boost in the points difference equations
France will win the tournament if they better England’s result against Italy
So France probably need to beat Ireland with a bonus point win as England are almost certainly set to beat Italy with a bonus point falling short of a complete implosion.
If both England France and France win, with or without a bonus point, it comes down to point difference – where England currently have a 2 point advantage. If all that comes out equal, then its down to tries scored to decide it, where England have 9 and France have 13.
