This week’s action in the six nations has the chance to shape how the rest of the competition will look.
England look to realistically keep their title hopes alive as they welcome a strong France side to the newly named Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.
Italy have the chance to create history as they welcome a Welsh side which are almost expected to lose in Rome this weekend, the Italians haven’t beaten Wales at home since 2007.
Finally, Ireland look to keep their Grand Slam hopes alive as they travel to Edinburgh against a Scotland side who are coming off the back of a win at home to Italy.
England vs France: There’s only one change to report in the forwards for England as Ben Curry drops to the bench as Tom Willis comes in at 8 and Ben Earl moves forward to 7.
Steve Borthwick has gone with a host of changes to his backs, however, key changes to note are that Fin Smith comes in at fly-half and Marcus Smith pushes back to Full back. Henry Slade starts in the centres again but no Cadan Murley this week due to a foot injury.
Fabian Galthie has only made two changes to his side travelling to the English Capital this weekend as Matthieu Jalibert and Damian Penaud come into the side.
Steve Borthwick acknowledges the tough test his side faces but hopes they have enough to get the job done.
“France poses a physical challenge and a very distinct tactical challenge, particularly with that long kicking game.
“Marcus is one of the most dangerous players I’ve ever seen in those unstructured situations.
“He finds space between defenders that doesn’t appear to be there. Marcus is a game-changing player.
“He’s a player with brilliant instincts and I want him to bring all those natural instincts on to the pitch this weekend in an England shirt.”[Via BBC]
Italy vs Wales: Italy boss Gonzalo Quesada only makes one change to his fifteen this weekend as Jacopo Trulla comes in for the injured Simone Gesi.
Warren Gatland names two changes to his side for this weekend as Taulupe Faletau represents Wales for the first time since the World Cup in 2023, and Scarlets’ Eddie James is handed a first start for his country as he starts at centre.
Gatland knows that his side’s form isn’t up to the usual standard of Welsh rugby but says his side must believe.
“It’s about the belief in the circle that we can turn this around.
“Everybody knows the current run of losses is not acceptable for Wales, for where we plan on being and how proud a rugby nation this is.
“You can’t hide behind the fact there have been too many losses.”[Via BBC]
EmbedScotland vs Ireland: Gregor Townsend has named three changes for this weekend’s clash with Ireland as Tom Jordan, Rory Sutherland and Jack Dempsey all get the nod.
Ireland’s interim head coach Simon Easterby has made two changes as he recalls the experienced Peter O’Mahony to the starting line-up as Ryan Baird drops to the bench and Robbie Henshaw replaces Gary Ringrose as outside Centre.
On the decision to bring O’Mahony back into the side, Easterby recognised that his side will follow the example set by the experienced Irish star.
“He just has that ability, doesn’t he, to play big when it’s needed.
“He has the edge around him in training last week when he wasn’t involved, he brought a lot of competition into the group for those that were starting.
“He was disappointed not to get the selection in the 15 or 23 for England, so I think what he does do when he plays against sides like Scotland is he plays right on the edge, he’s confrontational, he leads by example, other players will certainly follow that example.”
