The Breakdown: A statistical look at the fifth round of Six Nations matches

Three teams can still win the 2019 Six Nations as we enter the final round of matches this weekend.

Wales are in the driving seat, but they must defeat defending champions Ireland in order to be assured of the title and the Grand Slam.

England could also steal victory if Ireland win in Cardiff and Eddie Jones’ men defeat Calcutta Cup rivals Scotland.

Meanwhile, there is little on the line for Italy and France as they reprise a usually one-sided fixture.

With the help of Opta, we take a statistical look at the fifth and final round of matches.

“We’ve got the best fans in world rugby and come Saturday it will be an atmosphere to savour…”

As they approach their final @SixNationsRugby match with Wales, the coaches explain why the tournament means so much to them. pic.twitter.com/rjEj1Fw9cJ

— Welsh Rugby Union (@WelshRugbyUnion) March 14, 2019

Italy v France

Italy have endured another miserable Six Nations campaign and history would suggest it is unlikely to get better against France.

The Azzurri – on a record 21-match losing run in the Six Nations – have only beaten France twice in 19 meetings in the championship, winning just three of 40 such clashes in all competitions. However, Les Bleus have only won once themselves in this campaign.

Sergio Parisse is set to captain Italy for the 50th time in the competition.

Wales v Ireland

The Grand Slam is on the line for Wales as they face defending champions Ireland, with Warren Gatland’s men chasing their 12th in tournament history and fourth in the current format. It would also be the fifth time the Grand Slam has been won at the Principality Stadium – Ireland accounted for one of those.

Wales – on a 13-Test win streak – have won their last two home Six Nations matches against Ireland, but Joe Schmidt’s men have triumphed in their last four championship away games.

Welsh captain Alun Wyn Jones will win his 134th cap and draw level with Gethin Jenkins as his country’s most capped player, fifth in the worldwide list.

England v Scotland

If Wales slip up, England will have the opportunity to take advantage and win the championship if they can beat Calcutta Cup rivals Scotland, who won the sides’ last Six Nations meeting.

That was Scotland’s first win in 10 against their old rivals in the competition, however, while England have only lost four of the teams’ 48 Twickenham clashes – most recently in 1983.

Scotland’s last trip to England saw them suffer their joint-worst defeat in the history of this Test fixture, going down 61-21.

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