Ireland, Scotland and Italy claimed victories on the penultimate weekend of the Six Nations to set up a thrilling ‘Super Saturday’ that will decide who are crowned champions for 2026.
Here, we look at five things we learned from the weekend’s action.
Crisis in Rome
Four weeks after Gregor Townsend was left fighting for his future after Scotland had fallen in Rome, Italy have inflicted the same fate on Steve Borthwick following’s England’s 23-18 loss at the Stadio Olimpico. Borthwick has the public backing of the Rugby Football Union – at least until the end of the year – but his regime has been plunged into crisis by a third successive defeat 18 months out from the next World Cup. And it could get uglier still with title-chasing France and world champions South Africa the next assignments.
Captain under fire
The scale of England’s collapse since the end of their 12-Test winning run is staggering, with Matt Dawson, Ben Youngs and Ugo Monye among the former internationals questioning the team’s direction under Borthwick. The players look confused, their confidence brittle and senior figures are failing to provide the on-field leadership needed. Maro Itoje’s captaincy is now also under the spotlight after his late sin-binning for slapping the ball away at a maul left England stretched at the moment when Italy expertly crafted the match-winning try.
Perth power shift
A landmark first victory against England was celebrated wildly by Italy – and the win comes at an interesting time. The rivals meet again in the 2027 Six Nations before being placed on a collision course at the World Cup later next year in a projected round-of-16 showdown in Perth. What was previously seen as part of a comfortable draw for England now has danger written all over it and while the landscape can change significantly between now and then, Italy will have taken huge encouragement from an important moment in their rugby history.
Townsend’s redemption
Given that a month ago Townsend’s job was in doubt, Scotland’s turnaround is nothing short of remarkable. Their 50-40 victory over France, in which they led 47-14 around the hour mark, is seen as one of the greatest results in their history and the best of the Townsend era, even allowing for all his successes against England. France were apparently on an unstoppable march towards the Grand Slam until the Scots breached their tryline seven times at Murrayfield to set up a three-way contest for the title on ‘Super Saturday’ that also features Ireland. Les Bleus are still in the driving seat because of their healthy points difference, but 2026 could finally be the year Scotland deliver on their potential.
Ireland’s Twickenham false dawn
Of three nations who will do battle for France’s crown, it is Ireland who are the outsiders after they crept past Wales 27-17 having subjected their fans to a white knuckle ride against the Championship’s weakest team. Storming Twickenham 42-21 in round three is shaping up to be the highlight of their tournament, although hosting bitter foes Scotland in next Saturday’s first game means they will have a say in how the title race unfolds. Wales, meanwhile, are showing growing evidence that they are turning the corner even if that first Six Nations win since 2023 remains elusive.