While Newcastle centre Noon and his England colleagues travelled home from Dublin on Monday on the back of another defeat - the world champions ninth in 12 Tests - Wales and Ireland could be heading for a Millennium Stadium spectacular.

If Wales beat penultimate opponents Scotland on Sunday week, and Ireland defeat France at Lansdowne Road 24 hours earlier, then the dream finale will become reality.

It is obviously going to go to the wire, said Noon, assessing the championships possibly thrilling conclusion.

Wales will provide a very difficult task for Ireland, especially with the game being in Cardiff as well. Ireland are playing well, but I think that Wales are playing a little bit better.

I am sure it will be a great game to watch, and if both sides get their tactics right, it is going to be very close.