The Six Nations is well underway and after last year’s victory France are looking to continue building momentum in the Rugby world and go back-to-back. With the World Cup in France later this year they hope success at the Six Nations will give them the chance to go into the World Cup as No.1 in the world. However, after two games they find themselves fourth in the table having beaten Italy and lost to the Irish.
England entered the tournament in unfamiliar territory after parting company with Eddie Jones, with Steve Borthwick at the helm. He will, of course, need time to settle into his new role and, likewise, the players into a potentially new style of coaching. This was evident with a narrow loss to Scotland who deserve plenty of credit for their Calcutta Cup winning performance, and particularly Duhan Van Der Merwe who produced a stunning solo try and won Player of the Match two weeks running. The Scots' momentum carried on with a thumping victory at home to Wales and will now travel to France for a game which, if it goes the right way for the Scots, will potentially give them an opportunity to win the tournament for the very first time.
Wales, like England, are going through a transitional period with Warren Gatland being reintroduced to the national team. Wales have lost both of their games so far to the teams at the top of the table, but a visit to the Principality by England will without question re-ignite the flame – one not to be missed. Just above the Welsh in the table are the Italians who, like Wales, have lost both games so far but managed to secure a bonus point against the French in their opening game. Italy host Ireland in game week 3 and the home team will certainly be hoping to cause an upset against the World No. 1.
Unsurprisingly the favourites, Ireland, top the table with 10 points having beaten Wales convincingly and a spirited second half performance gave them the victory over France. Joint top of the table is Scotland after edging through against England and they welcome Ireland to Murrayfield in game week 4 in what could well be the deciding match for the tournament.
Upcoming fixtures
All available to watch on BBC, ITV or S4C
Round 3
25 February
Italy vs. Ireland, 2.15 kick off
Wales vs. England, 4.45 kick off
26 February
France vs. Scotland, 3.00 kick off
Round 4
11 March
Italy vs. Wales, 2.15 kick off
England vs. France, 4.45 kick off
12 March
Scotland vs. Ireland, 3.00 kick off
Round 5
18 March
Scotland vs. Italy, 12.30 kick off
France vs. Wales, 2.45 kick off
Ireland vs. England, 5.00 kick off
