With a decision being made ‘within weeks’ whether the Six Nations Championship will continue to be aired on terrestrial television – following a £365 million five-year deal with equity firm CVC – focus returns to matters on the pitch this weekend.
England host France at Twickenham on Saturday with the reigning champions’ bid to regain the crown all but done. But it is game-on for their opponents who are still chasing the Grand Slam.
Eddie Jones has awarded Max Malins his first start for England at full-back.
Malins is one of three changes made by Jones after their dismal 40-24 defeat away to Wales.
Luke Cowan-Dickie was unlucky to lose his starting spot after a solid performance in England’s sole win over Italy. But this time he replaces Jamie George at hooker whilst Charlie Ewels comes into the second row.
Malins has been on fine form for Bristol where he is on loan from Saracens. He takes the place of Elliot Daly, despite the latter being a stalwart in Jones’ side since 2018.
After losses to Scotland and Wales, England will want to restore pride as they play against France. The French side haven’t played since they won 15-13 away to Ireland on 14th February. They didn’t play last round due to a COVID-19 outbreak in their camp.
Fabien Galthie’s team will be boosted by the inclusion of centre Virimi Vakatawa in the starting XV.
Teddy Thomas comes in for the injured Gabin Villiere on the wing whilst Romain Taofifenua starts at second row. Dylan Cretin replaces Anthony Jelonch in the back row.
French fans will be delighted with the inclusion of Romain Ntamach in their squad. In contrast, England fans won’t be looking forward to the prospect of Antoine Dupont controlling the game.
Winless Italy host Wales on Sunday
On Sunday, Italy host Wales with Wayne Pivac’s side the only team in the competition to have won all three games.
Wayne Pivac’s team have already won the Triple Crown after impressive victories over Ireland, Scotland and England.
Pivac has recalled scrum-half Gareth Davies and lock Cory Hill, who is rewarded with a start after he came off the bench to score a try versus England last game.
Italy continue to struggle and haven’t won a Six Nations match since 2015. So far, they have conceded 40 points in all their games and face the daunting prospect of an in-form Welsh side.
Welsh born scrum-half Stephen Varney is one of five changes. Mattia Bellini comes in at wing, Danilo Fischetti and Giosue Zilocchi start as props and Niccolo Cannone starts at lock.
On Sunday, Scotland are at home to Ireland at Murrayfield.
Andy Farrell’s team will want to improve on their form and will hope to continue in the same vein as last game where they secured a dominant win over Italy.
Scotland, whose game against France was postponed, will be looking to emulate the form from the opening weekend when they won a gruelling battle against England 11-6.
