The world champions' stirring 26-18 victory over France - a result that ended Les Bleus' Grand Slam hopes - has set up an enthralling final day's action.

If England beat Wales, who are striving to avoid a tournament whitewash, in Cardiff, while Ireland topple Italy and France defeat Scotland, a three-way scrap for silverware will be decided on points difference.

France or Ireland are still likely to prevail, but the fact England even find themselves in the shake-up says everything about their recovery powers following a Croke Park calamity.

Head coach Brian Ashton initially made two changes for the Millennium Stadium visit, dropping World Cup winner Josh Lewsey and replacing him with Sale Sharks wing Mark Cueto at full-back, while Newcastle centre Mathew Tait takes over from an injured Mike Tindall.

However, Nick Easters neck injury has given flanker James Haskell the opportunity to make his debut in an all-Wasps back row, with Joe Worsley moving to number eight.

It will be Tait's first RBS 6 Nations start since he made his Test debut as an 18-year-old against Wales on the same ground two years ago.

On that occasion, Wales' 11-9 victory kick-started a Grand Slam season, but two years on, they must win to have any realistic chance of staving off the wooden spoon.

Coach Gareth Jenkins has kept faith with the side beaten 23-20 by Italy last Saturday, yet Wales have not won a Test match since defeating Canada four months ago, and pressure is mounting on him.

If England's forwards can repeat the powerful display they produced in silencing France up-front, then a try-laden red rose back division could cut loose.

Wales though, surely have one major performance in them this term, and it could prove to be a high-scoring thriller.