They must run up a cricket score against the Scots at Lansdowne Road and then hope England beat Grand Slam hopefuls France in Paris, a tall order which the bookies believe is beyond the world champions.

And while Eddie O'Sullivan's men are sure to overcome Scotland, securing the necessary points landslide might be a little trickier.

Scotland's form has been abject throughout the championship but with one last opportunity to restore some pride before they receive the inevitable wooden spoon, they will be desperate to avoid a thrashing.

Much will depend on the weather - Lansdowne Road was hit by gales and heavy rain during last Saturday's clash with Italy and this prevented Ireland's vaunted backline from cutting lose.

O'Sullivan will be praying for better conditions this weekend so that the likes of Gordon D'Arcy - who could become player of the tournament with another top performance - Brian O'Driscoll and Geordan Murphy can do their stuff.

The Irish possess some of the most dangerous backs in the RBS 6 Nations but they are also strong up-front where the loss of broken arm victim Keith Gleeson is softened by the return of star lock Paul O'Connell.

Scotland are short of world class talent with only Simon Taylor and Chris Paterson boasting real quality, but even skipper Paterson has failed to impress.

He has been switched to full-back against Ireland after starting at fly-half for each of Scotland's previous championship outings, giving Dan Parks a chance in the number 10 shirt.