Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has declared that “anything can happen” in the dramatic final round of the Guinness Six Nations, expressing belief that an embattled England side could yet play a crucial role in his team’s title aspirations against France.
The championship culminates in a tantalising three-way battle for the crown. Ireland and Scotland are set to clash in Dublin, with the winner not only securing the Triple Crown but also gaining a temporary lead at the top of the table.
However, their ultimate fate hinges on the final fixture of ‘Super Saturday’ in Paris, where England must deliver a significant upset against Fabien Galthie’s reigning champions to prevent them from returning to the summit.
England, once tipped as contenders, face the prospect of finishing with four losses from five, intensifying pressure on head coach Steve Borthwick.
Meanwhile, France will be eager to rebound after squandering an opportunity to retain their championship with a game to spare, following last weekend’s thrilling 50-40 defeat to Scotland at Murrayfield.
Asked if England have the quality to cause a shock at Stade de France, Farrell said: “Of course, look at the (results in the) competition. Of course they do, 100 per cent.
“Everyone knows the players that they’ve got and the coaching staff that they’ve got and what they’re capable of.
“And when a team is a little bit wounded as well, anything can happen.
“But at the same time the French are hurting as well and they’re in the driving seat as far (they have) a home game and they know they can win a championship.
“It’s a fantastic position to be in as a neutral watching the Six Nations this weekend. But nothing would surprise me – exactly the same as last weekend.”
England boss Borthwick is fighting for his future following a landmark first defeat by Italy in round four.
Asked to assess England’s tournament, Farrell, whose team registered a record 42-21 win at Twickenham in round three, replied: “Honestly, I’ve absolutely no comment on that whatsoever. You’re cheeky to ask.
“We’ve enough on our plate with a big game to win at the weekend.”
In order to be reliant on England, Ireland must first register a 12th consecutive victory over Scotland.
Farrell is taking nothing for granted as the hosts bid to extend a remarkable run dating back to 2018.
“They’re a fantastic squad and fantastic team and given any type of room to be able to play the game that they want to play, they’ll beat anyone in the world on their day, as they’ve proved,” he said of the Scots.
“That’s how we approach every single game and this one’s no different.”
Ireland’s hopes of igniting a St Patrick’s weekend party at a sold-out Aviva Stadium could hinge on their ability to shackle Finn Russell.
The influential fly-half was one of 13 Scotland players selected by Farrell for last summer’s victorious British and Irish Lions tour to Australia.
“Getting to know him, first and foremost he’s a great lad, cares about his rugby,” said Farrell.
“People think he’s laid back but he knows what he’s after. He understands how to run a team and you can see why he’s been so successful and why people rate him so highly.
“I’m sure he’ll be wanting to put that on the field on Saturday.”
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