There a subdued feeling to the 2020 edition of the Guinness Six Nations with this weekend set to be the grandstand finale, but due to the ongoing spread of Coronavirus, it will be less a conclusion and more a, “Goodbye for now.”

Warnings against large scale events and the cancellation of numerous large gatherings in line with advise from Public Health England and the World Health Organisation means only Wales v Scotland remains in the Guinness Six Nations calendar this weekend.

As the table stands, England and France are level on 13 points, Eddie Jones’ side top currently by virtue of points difference having played four games, while Ireland are fourth with just nine point, but have only completed three fixtures to date.

Wales v Scotland
March 14, Principality Stadium
Kick-off: 14:15 (GMT)
Match odds: Wales 2/7 Draw 25/1 Scotland 5/2

In a bizarre turn of events, Scotland have the chance to top the Guinness Six Nations standings by the close of the weekend should they find a way past defending champions Wales at the Principality Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Scotland enter the “final round” of fixtures just three points adrift of England and Les Bleus, while Wayne Pivac’s Wales, with just one win from four, are entirely out of contention and have no ability to defend their title.

For Scotland to triumph on Saturday, though and seize control in the Guinness Six Nations as it reaches a temporal climax – with postponed fixtures set to be rearranged once health advise permits – it will take a turning of the tide from recent encounters, given Wales’ 18-11 victory at Murrayfield in the reverse fixture last season.

In fact, Gregor Townsend’s Scotland have won just one in the last 13 meetings between the two nations, but after their pre-tournament headlines of dismay in the camp will be relishing the opportunity to silence the naysayers and climb to the Guinness Six Nations summit against a Welsh side battered and bruised from a slovenly campaign.

Ben’s Prediction: Scotland win by 8 points

Coral pick with Harry Aitkenhead: “Even with their numerical advantage taken into account, the Scots came good last weekend and with Wales still injury stricken and searching for their best XV they could well upset the odds here. They’re coming in hot and are looking the value here.”

Harry’s Prediction: Scotland to win by 1 to 12 @3/1