Two tries by man of the match Sean O’Brien inspired defending champions Ireland to a 40-10 win over a hapless Scotland in their final Six Nations match on Saturday in Edinburgh to give them a chance at their first back to back title wins since 1948/49.
O’Brien’s tries – one in each half – helped the Irish pass Wales on points difference after the Welsh had humiliated Italy 61-20 earlier in Rome with wing George North getting three tries.
England can still win the title if they beat France by 26 points – they have scored more tries than Ireland – later at Twickenham.
O’Brien, who only returned to the Ireland side for the tournament after months of injury woes, said it had been a good performance in what was a record equalling victory – emulating the 36-6 victory in 2003 also at Murrayfield.
“We executed really well today and hopefully it will go a long way for us,” said O’Brien.
“It was just one of those things, go out and try and win first and get the points on the board.
“I was lucky enough to be on the end of two of the tries.”
Ireland’s inspirational captain Paul O’Connell, who also scored a try, was ecstatic, although a couple of missed penalties by Jonathan Sexton in the second-half could prove costly.
“It is fantastic as we were under a lot of pressure,” the 35-year-old lock told the BBC.
“We knew we were in the right place even after the Wales defeat and I thought we played some fantastic rugby at times.
“We will have our post match meal and it will be a nervous afternoon.”
Earlier, North had sparked Wales to a stunning second-half performance against an all at sea Italy, who had given them a good game in the first period.
Wales coach Warren Gatland had been looking for a win of over 40 points and he got it as the Welsh sprang into action after leading only 14-13 at half-time in Rome.
Their victory – helped by Italy being reduced to 14 men on two occasions – ended France’s slim hopes of the title as the Welsh went to eight points, the French can at best get to six if they beat England later on at Twickenham.
Perhaps tempting fate, the authentic trophy is at Twickenham and a replica at Murrayfield.
However, Gatland prayed that the last minute converted try by Italy would not cost his side dearly.
“It wasn’t bad apart from the last two minutes!” Gatland told the BBC.
“You are always looking for the perfect performance,” said Gatland.
“Hope that doesn’t cost us the championship.”
England are seeking their first Six Nations title since 2011 as they host an under-performing France – who have not won at Twickenham since 2005 – in the final match.
With England playing France last, coach Stuart Lancaster decided to wait until half an hour before the kick-off to give his team talk so his players are clear as to what they need to do – apart from obviously beating the French.
“We firstly have to understand what will be the challenge. The Ireland match in Scotland will finish at about 4.25pm (also GMT) and we kick off at five,” said Lancaster, who since taking over after the 2011 World Cup debacle has guided his side to second on the past three occasions in the championship.
“We will have to make sure the players understand the objectives.”
He added: “It is certainly an unique situation where the end of the championship is decided with staggered times, with the teams playing last knowing there is a certain points differential to score.”
