With four of the five rounds of the 2022 Six Nations now in the books, we have a clearer picture as to where this year's championship could end up.
Having won all four of their fixtures so far, France are certainly the favourites and could wrap up a Grand Slam when they host England next weekend.
However, Ireland are still in the hunt. It may be out of their hands, but there are a number of scenarios that could see them crowned champions next Saturday evening if they can get the job done against Scotland.
Here is how the table currently looks.
Things could get a bit complicated, but here is how the various scenarios could play out.
Six Nations Championship Permutations
What will it take for France to win the Six Nations?
France's task is a very straightforward one: Beat England next weekend and they will secure the Six Nations championship and a Grand Slam.
That will no doubt be the aim in Paris, although it is not the only way they can claim the championship.
France will also win the title if Ireland lose to Scotland without securing two bonus points, or if they match the result Andy Farrell's side achieve.
The French would also win the championship if they lose to England by seven points or fewer or secure a four-try bonus point if Ireland only manage a draw against the Scots and do not score four or more tries.
What will it take for Ireland to win the Six Nations?
Ireland's destiny is out of their hands, although there are still a number of scenarios that could see them crowned champions. The fact that they boast a far superior scoring difference in comparison to the French is very helpful in this regard.
They will win the Six Nations if they beat Scotland and France lose to England.
A draw in Paris would make things very interesting.
In that scenario, an Irish win over Scotland would be enough to secure the title thanks to their superior scoring difference, as long as France do not score four tries in the drawn game. If they did so, Ireland would require a four-try bonus point of their own in order to top the table.
An Irish draw along with a four try bonus point would be enough to finish top if France lose their final fixture without both a losing bonus point and four try bonus point.
Ireland could also win the title if they lose to Scotland by seven points or fewer while also scoring four or more tries, if France lose to England by eight points or more and do not score four tries.
Some of these scenarios are rather unlikely to materialise, but they are worth noting as we enter the championship's deciding weekend.
Summary
The most likely way for Ireland to win the Six Nations is to beat Scotland and hope that France lose to England.
However, if Ireland can earn only two points (via a draw or bonus points) in that game then they are still in with a chance of winning the championship when the match in Paris kicks off a few hours later.
To boil it down, Ireland essentially just need to earn two more points than the French next weekend via some method. That would be enough to lift the trophy.
It should make for compelling viewing.
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