After an exciting opening weekend of Six Nations rugby, this matchweek should prove no different. TIBS News previews the action.
Wales vs Scotland
Wales host Scotland at the Principality Stadium, 2.15pm KO, Saturday.
Gregor Townsend’s side will be buoyant after their impressive hard-fought 20-17 victory at home to England last weekend.
They’re now aiming to win their opening two Six Nations games for the first time in the tournament’s history.
In comparison, Wales were dominated by Ireland at the Aviva Stadium losing 29-7 – hugely denting their hopes of retaining the championship.
Wayne Pivac’s team will need a win to keep any chance of winning back-to-back Six Nations alive. However, this is sure to be another tough task due to the injuries they have, yet again missing eight British and Irish Lions – including captain Alun Wyn Jones.
Stand-in captain Dan Biggar will be only the ninth Welshman to reach an impressive 100 appearances for his country.
Further adding to their injury despairs is Josh Adams, who is ruled out through a calf strain he suffered in last week’s defeat. Osprey centre Owen Watkin will now start as his replacement.
Club team-mate Jac Morgan will make his debut at flanker with backrow Ross Moriarty regaining full fitness and coming into the starting XV. Alex Cuthbert also replaces Johnny McNicholl on the wing.
Scotland have made numerous changes despite their impressive win. Flanker Jamie Ritchie has been ruled out of the tournament, so Sam Skinner comes in.
Elsewhere, Townsend has decided to completely change his front row as Pierre Schoeman, WP Nel and Stuart McInally all start.
Their bench also includes Cameron Redpath who is working his way back to match fitness.
Wales will need to defend a lot better than they did against Ireland as they look to kickstart their tournament, while Finn Russell and his side will aim to back up their solid start.
France vs Ireland
Ireland travel to France Saturday (4:45pm KO), with the winner immediately becoming the tournament favourite.
Going into this competition, both teams were tipped heavily as the two sides who would be most likely to win the Six Nations.
Irish hopes have taken an almighty blow this week with captain Johnny Sexton injured his hamstring in training. Joey Carbery replaces him at fly-half, in what is sure to be the biggest game of his career.
Last week both sides secured comfortable bonus point victories. Ireland beating Wales, whilst France cruised past Italy 37-10.
Andy Farrell’s team have won nine test matches on the bounce, dating back to last February when France defeated them 13-15.
Fabien Galthie has only made two changes as Jonathan Danty is replaced at centre by Yoram Moefana due to injury and Francois Cros starts ahead of Dylan Cretin at blindside flanker.
Lock James Ryan will lead Ireland out as they look to keep Antione Dupont and, hat-trick hero against Italy, Gabien Villiere quiet.
The two in-form sides are sure to set the Stade de France alight in a gruelling encounter under the lights.
Italy vs England
On Sunday, England visit Italy at the Stadio Olimpico, 3pm KO.
Eddie Jones has, yet again, chopped and changed his team around as he looks to find a winning formula.
Bristol’s Harry Randall replaces the experienced Ben Youngs at scrum-half as the youngster looks to impress in only his third outing for his nation.
Randall is one of six changes to the side that lost to Scotland. Jack Nowell starts at wing, hooker Jamie George and tight-head prop Will Stuart start.
Alex Dombrandt comes in at eight with Charlie Ewels playing lock.
Jones has constantly changed his side with key absences, Manu Tuilagi, Courtney Lawes and Owen Farrell all still injured.
Italy have brought in flanker Braam Steyn, Frederico Mari, Pietro Ceccarelli and fly-half Poala Garbisi as they aim for a monumental upset on Sunday.
