Six Nations Rugby Week Three: Preview
The Six Nations is back after a week’s break with some big games as Wales entertain Ireland as well as Italy welcoming France to the Stadio Olimpico and a Calcutta Cup to be won between England and Scotland.
Wales v Ireland 2.15PM Saturday, BBC
Wales play their first game following the departure of head coach Warren Gatland after suffering consistent losses in the Six Nations with no win in the tournament since 2023, against Italy.
They face favourites and top-of-the-table Ireland, who have been in great form so far in the tournament.
Ireland make some changes with Dan Sheehan captaining the team for the first time and becoming the 111th man to captain Ireland in a Test match. Fan favourite Mack Hansen returns to the squad after missing Ireland’s win against Scotland due to an injury.
Wales will give 21-year-old Scarlets back Ellis Mee his debut as well as tighthead prop Will Griff John as Wales look to shock the favourites at the Principality Stadium.
Wales haven’t beaten Ireland since 2021 where they were 21-16 winners at the Principality Stadium.
Ireland will want to increase the gap between themselves and the rest of the table.
This game should be an interesting one as Wales want their first win and they are at home which is where they have had their most success against Ireland over the years. Ireland will still need to be on their game as Wales still have the quality to give them a proper game.
England v Scotland 4.45 PM Saturday, ITV1
Two big rugby nations face off in a battle for the Calcutta Cup as Steve Borthwick’s England look to win back the Cup as they welcome Gregor Townsend’s Scotland to Twickenham.
This game will be the 143rd encounter between the sides with the first game dating back to Edinburgh in 1871.
England come into this match after an impressive 26-25 win against a top team in France.
The game had a bit of everything, but England were able to show heart with a last minute try and conversion to beat a strong French team and bounce back from their loss in the first week of the tournament to Ireland.
Scotland come into the game after a 32-18 loss to Ireland where dominance early and late from Ireland proved too much for Scotland, who gave a good account of themselves.
Both teams have made changes with England starting Ollie Chessum, who earns his first start of the Championship. Scotland have named three changes, with Kyle Rowe, Pierre Schoeman and Jamie Ritchie all getting starts for the Calcutta Cup matchup.
Any game between these two teams is always destined to be a barnstormer for the fans and after England’s last game you will imagine they will be in high spirits and hungry for the win.
Italy v France 3:00PM Sunday, ITV1
The last game of this round of fixtures finds Italy welcoming France to the Stadio Olimpico for the first time since 2023.
France will want to right the wrong of the last game between the nations that was a 13-13 draw last February.
Italy have been growing as a rugby nation over the last couple of years and have started to become competitive.
In their last game, Italy beat a struggling Wales 22-15, which is a massive result for a nation like Italy.
France come into the game after a close 26-25 loss to England last time out and will want to get back to winning ways in this one.
In their first game of the tournament, France turned over Wales 43-0 and Italy lost a competitive game to Scotland 31-19.
You can expect changes from France as they have struggled with some injuries and suspensions for Romain Ntamack following his red card against Wales in the opening week.
This is the type of game you’d expect France to walk over Italy, but you should never count out the underdogs and it should be fun for a neutral to watch.
| Position | Teams | W | D | L | PD | BP | Points |
| 1 | Ireland | 2 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 2 | 10 |
| 2 | France | 1 | 0 | 1 | 42 | 2 | 6 |
| 3 | England | 1 | 0 | 1 | -4 | 2 | 6 |
| 4 | Scotland | 1 | 0 | 1 | -2 | 1 | 5 |
| 5 | Italy | 1 | 0 | 1 | -5 | 0 | 4 |
| 6 | Wales | 0 | 0 | 2 | -50 | 1 | 1 |
