France take control of Six Nations as Scotland and Ireland stay in touch

France have moved into a commanding position in the Six Nations after three bonus-point wins from three matches, leaving them in control of the title race with two rounds remaining. Scotland and Ireland remain in contention behind them, while England have endured a difficult opening to the championship and Italy have continued to show progress.
Six Nations table outlook
After three rounds, France lead the standings on 15 points, followed by Scotland on 11 and Ireland on nine. England and Italy are level on five points, with Wales on one.
France have combined results with the strongest scoring record so far, crossing for 18 tries and conceding five. Scotland have conceded six tries across their first three matches, underlining a defensive platform that has supported their rise to second place.
France set the pace with depth and finishing power
France have paired their results with a high-tempo attacking game that has been one of the tournament’s defining features. Their ability to rotate combinations without a drop in performance has stood out, alongside the impact of several younger players who have stepped up quickly at test level.
With their points total built through three try-bonus victories, France are positioned to secure the title early if they maintain that pattern in the next round.
Scotland keep destiny in their hands as France visit Murrayfield
Scotland’s win over England has often been followed in previous seasons by a setback, but this time they have backed it up to remain firmly in the hunt. Their next test is a home meeting with France at Murrayfield, a fixture that has historically been a difficult trip for visiting sides.
Scotland’s approach has combined controlled attacking play with improved organisation in defence. Finn Russell’s influence has again been central, with his in-game decision-making and creativity providing a consistent edge.
Ireland respond after uneven start and target strong finish
Ireland’s campaign has swung between frustration and authority. After an opening loss in Paris and a narrow escape at home against Italy, they produced a more complete performance against England to move back into the title conversation.
Key figures have reasserted themselves, including Jamison Gibson-Park and Stuart McCloskey, while the back-row has regained momentum. With two home fixtures still to come, Ireland remain well placed for a top-half finish.
England face error count and selection pressure
England’s early tournament has been shaped by turnovers and defensive concessions. Across three matches, they have given up 58 turnovers, including 32 listed as unforced errors, and have conceded 73 points and nine tries in their past two defeats.
The scale of the deficit in recent first halves has been a particular concern, with England falling quickly behind in successive losses. Their next match against Italy now carries added pressure, with momentum and confidence in short supply.
Italy show signs of a breakthrough year
Italy have continued to build on recent progress, combining a strong scrum with a more consistent threat in open play. They have already recorded a notable win over Scotland and went close to defeating Ireland in Dublin, before a 33-8 loss to France that was more competitive than the final score suggested.
Their performances have kept them level with England on points and set up a significant home fixture against a team struggling for form.
Wales look for defensive answers after encouraging moments
Wales remain at the bottom of the table but have shown signs of improvement, including a near miss against Scotland. They have carried with intent and produced individual bright spots, but their defensive record has been costly, with an average of more than six tries conceded per match.
With a final home game still to come against Italy, Wales have an opportunity to climb the standings if they can translate effort into a complete performance.
France now control their own path to the title, while Scotland and Ireland remain positioned to apply pressure as the championship moves into its final two rounds.
