Six Nations week five preview: France can win first Grand Slam since 2010, while Ireland have faint hopes title hopes if Les Bleus falter

As we enter the final day of Six Nations rugby for this year, yet again it has provided us with drama, controversy and scintillating rugby. TIBS News previews the action.

France on Grand Slam brink

France still remains unbeaten and have impressed throughout this competition but face stern opposition in the shape of an inconsistent but still resilient England side in Paris at 8pm on Saturday.

Fabien Galthie’s side have run riot, as they hope to win their first Grand Slam since 2010. They also look to be favourites to win the 2023 World Cup in their homeland.

England on the other hand have had another mediocre campaign and will want to avoid losing three Six Nations matches for the third time under Eddie Jones.

Jones has made some more questionable decisions, starting George Furbank at full-back thus moving Freddie Steward to the wing.

Four more changes are made to the side that fought bravely with 14-men in their defeat by Ireland last week. Ben Youngs starts, prop Will Stuart replaces Kyle Sinckler, lock Nick Isiekwe comes in for the banned Charlie Ewels and flanker Sam Underhill starts ahead of the injured Tom Curry.

France, unsurprisingly, only make the one change as wing Damian Penaud replaces the injured Yoram Moefana.

France could’ve already won the title by kick-off, depending on other results, but will be itching for the Grand Slam.

Will it be a case of luck of the Irish in Dublin?

Ireland will hope to pip France to the title as they host Scotland at the Aviva Stadium (4.45pm KO).

Victory would see them leapfrog France but would need the underdogs England to upset the tournament favourites.

Gregor Townsend has dropped the influential fly-half Finn Russell and chosen Blair Kingham, with the only other change seeing Jonny Gray return to the Scotland starting XV.

Andy Farrell has made a few changes to the side who clawed their way through last weekends tough encounter at Twickenham.

Mack Hansen, Iain Henderson and Jack Conan all return.

Nothing to play for but pride in Cardiff

A dead rubber opens the weekend’s proceedings as Wales host Italy (2.15pm kick-off).

The only positive coming out of this game for the home side is the return of lock Alun Wyn Jones who will win his 150th cap and become the first player to do so for one nation.

Dan Biggar will also win his 100th cap as Wales look for a bonus-point victory over a side who hasn’t won since 2015.