LONDON (AP) — France will try to win the Six Nations without its talisman after captain Antoine Dupont ruptured cruciate ligaments in his right knee at the weekend.

The Six Nations resumes this weekend with a potential championship decider between Ireland and France that is expected to be the match of the tournament.

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.

Jon Newcombe is backing France to get the better of Ireland in Dublin as round four of the Six Nations begins with a blockbuster.

France produced a devastating second-half display to hammer Ireland 42-27 in Dublin to destroy the hosts’ hopes of the Six Nations Grand Slam and make themselves favourites to win the title. The French scored five tries – two to Louis Bielle-Biarrey – as they ran the Irish ragged,

The Football Associations of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales intend to submit an Expression of Interest to FIFA with a view to the United Kingdom hosting the 2035 Women's World Cup.

France's hand replaced Ireland's on the Six Nations rugby trophy after a momentous 42-27 win at Aviva Stadium on Saturday. France decisively took over the lead of the championship with a bonus-point victory and can clinch its first title since 2022 in the final round at home next Saturday when it hosts Scotland.