Three of the four nations can take the 2015 Rugby League European Championship crown tomorrow in another exceptionally close finish.
Last season Scotland won the tournament on the last day on points difference, but this year the Bravehearts are the only ones not in a position to take the crown.
Wales, who travel to Bray to face Ireland (kick off 5pm), are the favourites to pick up their first crown since 2010 after two wins to date, but their opponents are in with a shout if they defeat their hosts by 15 points.
For Wales the equation is simple. They have to only draw to lift the trophy. The French, who face Scotland in Avignon (2pm kick off CET), have an outside chance of taking the crown. And Ireland would need to win by 25 points more than France do over Scotland, if Les Tricolors are triumphant.
Wales coach John Kear has added Gloucestershire’s Jamie Murphy, Coventry’s James Guertjens and North Wales’ Rob Massam to the 17 who beat France 14-6 last week.
“We believe we can do it,” Kear said. “There’s an air of confidence in the group and there are a lot of young men out there earning their stripes as well as the experienced players. People like Craig Kopczak and Phil Joseph made massive impacts coming into the squad whilst the young lads are improving and developing which bodes well for the future.”
Ireland coach Mark Aston, who recalls Leeds prop Rob Mulhern, is hoping that his side can go one better than last year, when they were the victims of a late Welsh try that denied them the title.
“Here we are again, in the same position as last year, needing to beat Wales by a big score to win the Championship. We hope the Scots can do us a favour and keep the target low but at least we’ll know what we have to do to win, by the time we kick off.
“Wales are a tougher proposition than last year. We will need to be on our best form to pull it off but I’m confident the boys will dig in and go for it. It should be a great occasion.”
