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Ireland and England about to do battle

Scotland's Sean Lamont, right, attemps a challenge on Ireland's Brian O'Driscoll during their Six Nations match at Lansdowne Road, Dublin, last Saturday. PHOTO: AP

Title-chasing Ireland will be wary of an England side with wounded pride in their final match of this year's Six Nations today.

The tournament title could still be at stake when the match kicks off -- even if only as a distant mathematical possibility.

France and Ireland have six points from three wins and one loss each, but the French lead the table with a superior points differential of 28.

A France win over Wales in Cardiff should give the French the title because Ireland would have to beat England by 28 points plus any more added at Millennium Stadium.

Ireland will win the title if it beats England for a third successive time and France loses. A big English victory combined with a French loss, however, would give the title to England if both results cancel out France's 40-point advantage over the English.

Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll warned his team on Thursday to be ready for an England backlash after the World Cup champion was thrashed 31-6 by France last weekend.

"They're going to be two very different performances," O'Driscoll said. "There is a big difference in going to France and playing there and playing at Twickenham. Two defeats for England is unusual in the Six Nations and they will want to make sure it's not three."

Victory will give Ireland its second Triple Crown in three years.

SCOTLAND Versus ITALY

Scotland wants to finish the Six Nations with a winning record. Italy just wants a win.

The two teams meet in their tournament finale today at Stadio Flaminio.

Scotland has beaten France and England, but suffered losses to Wales and Ireland.

"It will be the best championship performance in a while if we beat Italy," said Scott Lawson, who takes over at hooker from Dougie Hall, who was named on the bench as he continues to recover from a shoulder injury he sustained against Ireland.

FRANCE Versus WALES

France should win the Six Nations title by beating last season's Grand Slam champion Wales on Saturday at Millennium Stadium.

Bernard Laporte's team will have to keep the champagne on ice lt. We genuinely believe that.

"Obviously we are up against a French side who are strong in the setpiece and have some brilliant individuals behind. As well as that they had a great victory over England and there is still more to come from them.

"It's going to be a big challenge."
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