Weekend Preview: #GillettePrecisionPlay

Scotland v Ireland 

The opening fixture of the 2017 6 Nations sees Ireland travel to face Scotland at Murrayfield. The predictor shows the fans believe Ireland to win by 5-9 points will be the most likely outcome in this fiery encounter. With the visitors arriving without their key playmaker, Johnny Sexton, Ireland will once again turn to Paddy Jackson to guide their team to victory.

As Vern Cotter enters his last year under the helm as Scotland head coach before departing to join Montpellier, the recent success of the Scottish clubs in their respective European competitions is certain to raise team morale and belief. 

It is sure to be a cagey encounter as both sides will want to start the tournament on a positive note. Joe Schmidt is confident his side can still triumph without the presence of Sexton - “In the three Six Nations I have been involved with, Johnny has dominated the number 10 position, so we are still hopeful that he can come back in and still do that for us''

A Scottish win would see everyone sit up and take note. Warriors out-half Finn Russell, has been in devastating form in the Champions Cup - showing his full array of skills in attack. But he knows the game will be more than a positional match up ''If I start looking at it like that then I might start to change the way I play, so for me it's best to just stick to what I do and I think that is best for the team''.

England v France

England open their 6 Nations defence against France at Twickenham on Saturday. Eddie Jones' mounting injury problems continue to provide set backs to their 2017 campaign. The holders enter the tournament off the back of a 14 game winning streak and start as short priced favourites. The most popular prediction for this contest is a comfortable England win by 10-14 points.

France, led by Guy Noves come into the tournament following some spirited performances in defeat to NZ & Australia in the Autumn tests. Noves has made some big decisions, handing young Bordeaux scrum-half Baptiste Serin a starting berth ahead of Machenaud, but he has confirmed that he will be building for the future in this year's tournament and wants to play a running brand of rugby, Camille Lopez will join Serin at fly-half, Noves explained 'Camille is finding his place, he is a great organiser. Camille's skills and attacking abilitywas, at least for the moment, what we needed'.

The continuity in England's results provides a tough task for the visitors. Noves has also opted for Chouly over Goujon - the former Toulouse coach is not afraid of making big decisions, which is what France require as they try to move away from a conservative approach.

This will be the 103rd meeting between the teams, with England sealing the grand slam in Paris last March.

Italy v Wales

A rejuventated Italian take on Wales in the final game of round 1. Conor O' Shea leads his rejuvenated Italian side in his first 6 Nations campaign at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday. The ageless Sergio Parisse skippers the side as he makes his 122nd appearance for the Azzurri. Following a surprise triumph over South Africa in Florence in November, O' Shea will be hoping to instil more consistency into the Italian side. Three home fixtures in this years campaign is sure to help his cause. 

Wales travel to Rome with a point to prove after a disappointing Autumn series. Rob Howley takes the reins for this years renewal as Warren Gatland concentrates on the summer's Lions tour. Alun-Wyn Jones has been appointed the captain after Sam Warburton chose to stand down from the role. Jones will hope to use his experience to guide his side to a first championship since 2013.

Wales have raised their game in previous Lions years, with a stellar back-three at their disposal combined with a new breed of youngsters adding to the strength in depth. The most popular prediciton for this game has seen a strong selection of Wales to win the game by 15+ points. The Italian side have shown promise under the new coaching staff. O' Shea has highlighted Andrea Lovotti and Carlo Canna as two players that could light up the tournament.