5 talking points ahead of round three of the Six Nations

Which side will avoid the wooden spoon?

Scotland host Italy in Murrayfield on Saturday with both sides looking to pick up their first win of the championship. Going into the tournament many thought it was Scotland’s year to challenge for the title rather than trying to avoid the wooden spoon, but that has not been the case so far after defeats to France and Wales. As for Italy they have enjoyed a miserable campaign so far after comprehensive defeats to both Ireland and England. They now travel to Murrayfield where they have not won since a 37-17 win in 2007.

Is Murphy Ireland's call?

With Jamie Heaslip missing the game through injury, Jordi Murphy is expected to come into the starting line up and play at number 8. The Leinster man usually plays as a Flanker and will now have big shoes to fill taking the place of one of Ireland’s most decorated players. Murphy did play at 8 in the Italy match so it is a role he won’t be too unfamiliar with and will look to be at his best against an impressive English pack and guide his country to victory.

Are Mike Brown and George North ready to return after suffering concussion?

After both suffered knocks to the head in their previous games for their countries, are they both ready to return to the starting line-up this weekend. With concussion protocols big in the news at the moment. are the medics and coaches doing enough to prevent their players from suffering further damage. North and Brown are both expected to start for their countries this weekend but will they be able to last the 80 minutes and how serious will it be if they suffer another bang to the head.

Will the French underperform once again?

France take on Wales this Saturday with everyone wondering which French side will turn up. After two poor performances against Scotland and Ireland are we expecting to see another lacklustre display from Philippe Saint-Andre’s side or can Les Blues produce a match winning performance like they did against Australia in November. As for Wales they got back to winning ways against Scotland and will look for another win in Paris after winning their last match at the Stade De France in 2013.

Can Ireland get first win over England since 2011?

Oh how we have enjoyed the games between Ireland and England over the years. On Sunday all Rugby fans will be glued to their television screens with both sides looking to carry on their Grand Slam ambitions. With England winning the last three games between the sides, Ireland will be looking to secure their first victory over the English since 2011, when they defeated the English 24-8 to prevent them from claiming the Grand Slam. 

Ciaran Fallon