Six Nations: Title chasing Ireland out to summon ghosts of 2015 on Super Saturday

In a week of considerable tension, both Andy Farrell and his French counterpart Fabien Galthie can take comfort from the fact that their path to the Six Nations title is at least clear, if not easy.

One way or another Saturday will be a seismic day in the coaching careers of both men as they chase a first trophy in their current role.

It's the easiest possible brief for Galthie's France, who can end a 12-year drought with any form of win over England in Paris.

For Ireland their hopes hinge on an English victory following a home win at the Aviva Stadium — a result which would see Farrell's side clinch the Triple Crown regardless of events at the Stade de France.

As far as the title race is concerned, the margin of victory in either Dublin or Paris is irrelevant.

Even if the two sides do finish level on points — an outcome that will only occur if Ireland win without a bonus-point and France draw with England — Ireland's superior points difference would see them claim the title.

In nerve-shredding weeks like this small mercies are gratefully received, and both head coaches will be mightily relieved to have known from the very start of this week exactly what needs to happen in order for the title to be theirs.

It isn't always this easy — 2015, anyone?

Seven years ago the final day's match-ups mirrored those we will see this Saturday. The games took place between the same teams in the same order — albeit at different venues — with each one threatening to send the title to a different nation.

England went into that day top but ahead of Ireland and Wales only on points difference, and the required outcome for each team would only be determined by the result of the previous match.

Wales, third going into the day, knew they had to rack