Ireland eye unlikely Six Nations title vs uncertain Italy

Ireland have a glimmer of hope that they can retain their Six Nations crown on Saturday when they take on Italy in Rome, looking to bounce back from a painful defeat to title favourites France.

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Simon Easterby’s team have to beat Italy and hope results go their way in order to win an unprecedented third straight title, as they sit third in the table and two points behind leaders France ahead of the fifth and final round of matches.

Regardless of how they do against the Italians, a win for France against Scotland in Paris -- or failing that, a bonus-point success for England in Cardiff - would be enough to stop Ireland’s recent dominance of the tournament.