Gripping finale in Six Nations

A six Nations Championship that has been high on drama but short on quality ends this weekend with three teams still in.

Ireland, Wales and England are all locked on six points after three wins and a defeat apiece.

The English sit on top of the standings by virtue of their superior points difference of 37, with Ireland in second with 33 and Wales third at 12.

England are the only team to have taken their try-scoring tally into double figures, with 11 this season.

Ireland's success has been built on miserly defence - they have conceded just 46 points in the championship. Wales straddle the line between Ireland and England.

If two or more teams cannot be separated by points difference after tomorrow's matches, then tries scored are the decider.

England have already scored six more than Wales and seven more than Ireland. It's hard to imagine that they would lose out on that count.

Wales have perhaps the easiest run-in when they face Italy, while Ireland are up against the winless Scots at Murrayfield. England have to take on France, which on paper is the toughest of the three fixtures - but at least they're at home.

France have been woefully inconsistent under Philippe Saint-André. Even a 29-0 win over Italy last weekend couldn't hide how poor the match was or how devoid of ideas France have been.

Italy, after claiming an almost obligatory win over Scotland in the earlier part of the campaign, appear to be running out of steam. That's bad news against a Welsh team on a high after beating Ireland 23-16 last weekend, which denied the Irish a shot at the Grand Slam.

Ireland will be organised and motivated for Scotland, but it's unlikely they will run riot, which Wales might do against Italy in Rome.

This year's tournament, while featuring many tight contests in the 12 completed matches, has been low on attacking intent.

Wales and Ireland may be forced into taking a more positive approach this weekend in the hope of getting over the line first.