EXPLAINER: How Ireland can still win the Six Nations despite defeat to France

There was desolation among the Ireland team and supporters at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday as France emerged with victory, unceremoniously ending Ireland's Grand Slam ambitions.

The defeat seemingly ended Ireland's chances of retaining the Six Nations for a third consecutive season, but a little bit of maths proves that Ireland can still lift the trophy next weekend.

France are now sitting at the top of the table and victory next weekend over Scotland will all but secure the title for the Antoine Dupont-led outfit. However, England and Ireland still have a chance to win the title. 

How can Ireland win the Six Nations?

The Six Nations website has shared Ireland's potential path back to the Six Nations title next Saturday. A duo of unlikely results must go our way, but there's a chance.

Ireland will win the Championship if they beat Italy with a bonus point and both France and England fail to win their matches.

If Ireland win without a bonus point and both France and England lose, Ireland can take the title with 18 points.

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If Ireland draw with a bonus point or lose with two bonus points, they can still win the Championship if both France and England lose and they hold a superior points difference.

Like France and England, Ireland’s title hopes may come down to points difference if teams are level on match points at the end of the tournament. France's points difference puts them in pole position even if they lose.

If France lose but secure two BPs, they can still win if England and Ireland both lose without bonus points.

Who do Ireland play in their last game?

Ireland face Italy on Saturday, March 15, at 2.15pm in Rome. Wales welcome England to Cardiff at 4.45pm on the same day while later that evening at 8pm, France will hope to claim back the Six Nations on home soil against Scotland.