Saturday set for a sting in the tale

So this time England have the advantage of knowing exactly what it will take to ensure they win the most crowded of Six Nations photo-finishes.

By going out last on ‘Super Saturday’ against France at Twickenham, they will know the precise margin required to get their noses in front of Ireland and Wales, assuming both win their matches earlier in the day.

Wales, third with a points-difference of +12, are first up on Saturday, against Italy in Rome where France softened them up yesterday under a sky weeping in sorrow at what they were witnessing.