Six Nations Super Saturday Predictions: Scotland on Brink of History | Rugby World
The 2026 Six Nations Championship is poised for a dramatic conclusion on , with France, Scotland, and Ireland all vying for the title. Following a stunning result in Edinburgh, where Scotland dismantled France, the championship now hangs in the balance, dependent on the outcomes of Saturday’s matches.
Les Bleus, despite the setback, remain in a favorable position due to their points difference. However, they will need to regroup quickly for their final match against England at the Stade de France. The pressure will be immense, as they will be watching the earlier clash between Ireland and Scotland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin with keen interest. A bonus point secured in their match against England may be crucial, particularly if Scotland were to emerge victorious in Ireland.
Super Saturday Predictions
Josh Graham, Deputy Editor of Rugby World, predicts a Scottish win in Dublin (17-28), a comfortable victory for Italy over Wales (21-30), and a French triumph over England (21-7). Graham believes the momentum generated by Scotland’s performance against France will be enough to overcome their historical struggles against Ireland. He anticipates a closely contested match between Wales and Italy, ultimately favoring the Azzurri’s recent form, highlighted by their historic win against England.
The outcome of the France versus England match, according to Graham, will be significant, but he suggests a French win is likely, despite potential challenges posed by a determined English side. However, he notes that England could potentially deny France the title by securing a victory and limiting the French to fewer than four tries, potentially handing the championship to Scotland.
Key Information and Kick-Off Times
- Ireland v Scotland () – Live on ITV @ Aviva Stadium, Dublin
- Wales v Italy () – Live on BBC, Premier Sports & S4C @ Principality Stadium, Cardiff
- France v England () – Live on ITV @ Stade de France, Paris
Team News
Scotland will field the same 9, 10, 12, and 13 combination for all five matches of the Six Nations, a first for the team. However, they have been forced into changes in the second row due to injuries to Gregor Brown and Scott Cummings, with Max Williamson partnering Grant Gilchrist. Zander Fagerson returns to the No. 3 jersey, replacing D’arcy Rae. Alex Craig, Magnus Bradbury, and Kyle Rowe are named on the bench and are expected to make their first appearances of the 2026 campaign.
Ireland has made four changes to their lineup, with Dan Sheehan, Joe McCarthy, and Josh van der Flier returning to the starting XV. Tommy O’Brien also comes into the side on the wing. Bundee Aki is included on the bench.
Wales has named an unchanged squad for their match against Italy, with Blair Murray added to the replacements. Italy has made three changes, with scrum half Simone Ferrari missing through injury.
France will start Pierre-Louis Barassi and Temo Matiu against England. Steve Borthwick has made just one change to the England side following their defeat to Italy, with Ollie Chessum starting at six.
The stakes are incredibly high as the Six Nations reaches its climax. Scotland’s remarkable turnaround, culminating in their victory over France, has injected a recent level of excitement into the championship. While France remains the favorite, the possibility of a Scottish triumph is very real, adding an extra layer of intrigue to what promises to be a captivating Super Saturday.
The outcome in Dublin will be pivotal. A Scottish win would put immense pressure on France, forcing them to secure a victory against England, potentially with a bonus point, to maintain their title hopes. The match between Wales and Italy, while not directly impacting the title race, could still influence the final standings and provide a fitting end to a compelling championship.