Six Nations week three preview: France bid to continue Grand Slam hopes at Scotland, England host Wales and Ireland face Italy

After a week off, the Six Nations resumes Saturday as the competition begins to reach crunch time for the other nations chasing undefeated table-toppers France.

England face Wales at Twickenham

England will play in front of a packed Twickenham for the first time, in this year’s tournament, against Wales on Saturday, KO 4.45pm.

Eddie Jones will wait till matchday to release his starting XV, after previously naming it Thursday but another hamstring injury to centre Manu Tuilagi, who was set to start, delays the announcement.

Joe Marchant has been recalled as England look for someone to pair Henry Slade at centre. Despite this setback, their hopes have been boosted by the return of flanker Courtney Lawes, who will likely be named as captain.

A bonus-point win in Rome two weeks ago helped push England into second, after their dismal defeat by Scotland. However, if they want to lift the trophy, they realistically must beat Wales on Saturday.

Wayne Pivac only makes two changes to his side that won against Scotland. The experienced Taulupe Faletau returns, and Josh Adams replaces Louis Rees-Zammit on the wing.

France looking for a third-straight Six Nations win

Before this game, Scotland host France as they look to shatter the visitors’ Grand Slam opportunity, KO 2.15pm at Murrayfield Stadium.

France remain on course for their first title in 12 years but have yet to play away, having previously beaten Italy and Ireland at home.

Fabien Galthie’s side make just the one change as leading try-scorer Gabin Villiere is out due to a fractured sinus. Jonathan Danty comes in at No 12 as Yoram Moefana moves to the wing.

The Scottish camp have been hit by a series of injuries as lock Jonny Gray, prop Rory Sutherland and flanker Jamie Ritchie have all been ruled out for the rest of the tournament.

Rory Darge will debut in the back row as Gregor Townsend makes three changes to his previous starting XV as Magnus Bradbury and Zander Fagerson come in.

France’s imperious half-back pairing of Antione Dupont and Romain Ntamack will aim to produce yet more magic but are sure to come up against a stern Scottish defence.

Ireland entertain Italy

On Sunday, Ireland play Italy at the Aviva Stadium, KO 3pm.

Andy Farrell has made a host of changes to his side that lost in a thrilling encounter to France.

Michael Lowry will debut at full-back as Peter O’Mahony captains the side due to Jonny Sexton only returning to the bench.

Robbie Henshaw, James Lowe, Dan Sheehan, Ryan Baird and James Hume all start against Italy with Ireland needing a dominant win.

Italy haven’t won in 34 games and with talk of a team from the sub-continent replacing them, they are in much need of a result.