The Six Nations begin this weekend with all, bar Italy, having a realistic chance of lifting the trophy come March. TIBS News previews the opening matchweek.
Ireland vs Wales
Reigning champions Wales begin their defence of the title with a tough away trip to Ireland at the Aviva Stadium 2:15pm KO.
Although Wales have a squad riddled with injuries, including captain Alun Wyn Jones as well as seven other British and Irish Lions, Wayne Pivac’s side are used to upsetting the odds. Their only loss in the Six Nations last year came against France who shattered Wales’ Grand Slam hopes.
Ireland will be going into this clash full of confidence, coming off the back of an impressive Autumn Internationals, featuring an eye-catching 23-20 win over New Zealand in November.
Andy Farrell has gifted Connacht winger Mack Hansen his debut whilst Jonny Sexton captains his side on his 102nd cap. The 36-year-old dominated with the boot last year, only missing one of his 26 kicks.
Pivac has had to shuffle around with his starting XV leading in Cardiff winger Josh Adams starting at centre with Nick Topkins. Taine Basham, who was man-of-the-match in Wales’ loss to the All Blacks in Autumn, will make his Six Nations debut in the back row.
With Ireland being at home and having won their previous four games against the Welsh at the Aviva Stadium, Farrell will be looking for a dominant performance. In fact, 13 of the players to feature in their victory over New Zealand start Saturday.
Scotland vs England
Shortly after this match, Scotland host England at Murrayfield for the Calcutta Cup, 4:15pm KO.
Despite not winning the Six Nations since 1999, Gregor Townsend’s team will be optimistic heading into Saturday.
With an experienced side that features five Lions members in the backs, Stuart Hogg, Duhan van der Merwe, Hamish Watson, Finn Russell and Ali Price, Scotland will want a repeat of last year’s gritty victory over England.
Eddie Jones’ side disappointed last year finishing only above Italy.
Tom Curry has been given the captaincy, due to the absence of Owen Farrell through surgery, and Courtney Laws with concussion. The 23-year-old will be the youngest captain since Will Carling in 1988.
Injuries have also led to a re-shuffle in the England camp with Henry Slade and Elliot Daly starting in midfield. Youngster Marcus Smith starts at 10 and is one of seven players with 10 or less international caps.
France vs Italy
On Sunday, France host Italy, 3pm KO but will be without their head coach Fabien Galthie who has Covid-19.
World player of the year Antoine Dupont will captain Les Bleus with the only changes to the team that convincingly beat New Zealand 40-25 being flanker Dylan Cretin and hooker Julien Marchand.
Italy go youthful with their lineup as winger Tommaso Menoncello and number eight Toa Halafihi make their debuts.
Italy haven’t finished last since 2016 and, with the quality of their opposition, it is set to be a tough start to their campaign.
