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Six Nations: What do England need to win the Championship?

England are in pole position to win the Six Nations after beating Italy 34-5 (Reuters)
England are in pole position to win the Six Nations after beating Italy 34-5 (Reuters)

England defeated Italy 34-5 on Saturday evening to move top of the Six Nations table, but Eddie Jones and his squad will face a nervous wait to find out of they will end the day champions.

A double from Ben Youngs on his 100th appearance for his country helped England to slowly build a gap over a fiery Italian side, with Jamie George also scoring on his 50th cap to edge them closer towards victory.

Italy remained stubborn in not letting England away, but eventually Tom Curry burst over to score the crucial fourth try and secure the bonus point that moved Jones’s team into the slot as favourites to clinch the title.

A further try from Henry Slade wrapped up the win, although Owen Farrell missed his final two conversions to let four points go begging.

The victory moved England to 18 points, four in front of Ireland with a superior points difference of six and five points in front of France , who have scored 31 points fewer this championship.

Here’s how the Six Nations title will be decided:

  • Ireland will win if they beat France with a bonus point

  • Ireland will win if they beat France by seven points

  • Ireland will win if they beat France by six points and score on try

  • England will win if Ireland lose and France fail to win by 31 points

  • England will win if Ireland win by five points or fewer

  • England will win if France and Ireland draw

  • France will win if they beat Ireland by 31 points or more and score four tries