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Express Sport takes you through the day’s best Six Nations headlines (Image: Getty)
France are in the most commanding position ahead of the final round of fixtures this weekend. A superb 42-27 victory over pre-tournament favourites Ireland leaves them on the brink of a first triumph since 2022.
However, are hot on France’s heels after a notable turnaround in form, sitting one point behind their rivals ahead of the final games. Steve Borthwick’s side overcame Italy 47-24 on Sunday and head to Cardiff to face Wales next weekend. They will hope to make the most of any slip up by France against Scotland.
France will host that match in Paris without star man Antoine Dupont, who suffered a devastating ACL injury against Ireland.
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Antoine Dupont’s message to fans after suffering an ACL injury
Antoine Dupont confirmed he suffered an ACL injury in a heartbreaking message to fans yesterday.
The France captain was injured during the win over Ireland.
He posted on X: “The heart hurts even more than the knee when you have to leave your friends before the last step. I am proud of what we accomplished yesterday and with all my strength with you, you will do it.
“Rupture of the cruciate ligaments. This is the beginning of a new challenge, I’ll see you in a few months on the field.”
Scotland threaten France
Gregor Townsend has warned France that Scotland have nothing to lose in their final Six Nations clash.
France could be crowned champions with a positive result against the Scots.
Townsend’s side are out of the running for this year’s prize but they will try to ruin France’s party in Paris next weekend.
“We are obviously disappointed not to be in the mix for the final week, but we delivered a bonus point win on Saturday and obviously had almost a very good away win in the last game,” the 51-year-old said.
“Now we’ve got one game left, so we’ve just got to show what we’re about.
“We’ll be tested hugely over the 80 minutes, but it’s also an opportunity where we’ve got nothing to lose.
“We just need to play the rugby we’ve been playing for a lot of the Six Nations. We also need to be really physical in our defence, in our set-piece, because that’s where they’ll come after us. They’ll come close around the ruck as well.”
Scotland beat Wales but have not done enough to win the Six Nations (Image: Getty)
England star ‘heartbroken’ after Italy win
Fin Smith was left ‘heartbroken’ after seeing England team-mate Ollie Lawrence carried off during the victory over Italy.
England believe centre Lawrence has suffered an achilles injury.
Any long-term issue could rule him out of the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia this summer.
“When you see one of your best mates potentially losing the chance to go on a Lions tour and what was bound to be a massive year for him, it breaks your heart,” Smith said.
“I was probably a bit too gutted on the pitch, seeing that happen, and it maybe rattled me for a few minutes. We’re all absolutely devastated.
“I’ve got everything crossed that the scans say it’s not too bad but it is not looking brilliant. He is absolutely devastated.”