6 Nations Weekend Preview
- 2196
Italy v Ireland
Saturday, 11th February 2:25 pm
Stadio Olimpico, Rome
TV: RTE Two / ITV
Ireland travel to Rome to take on Italy following a close defeat to Scotland in Round 1. Joe Schmidt’s charges will be eager to get their title ambitions back on track with a victory over the Azzurri. A sluggish start against Scotland put Ireland on the back foot early, uncharacteristic lapses in defensive structures were seized upon by the dangerous Scotland back-line, as they exposed Ireland in the wider channels, resulting in 3 first half tries.
The Irish defence struggled in the opening phases, their spacing was narrow and they struggled to match their line speed from the November series. Ireland defence coach Andy Farrell, will be hoping to see a commanding defensive performance this weekend in Italy to show that these lapses were mere blips rather than system errors.
Italy suffered a convincing defeat to Wales in their opener despite going into the break with the lead. The Wales back-line cut loose in the 2nd half to score 30 unanswered points. Italy gave away 16 penalties, despite a solid defensive effort in the 1st half. Both sides come into the clash with something to prove, with Italy not having won at home in 4 years and Ireland hoping to get their title aspirations back on track.
Wales v England
Saturday, 4:50 pm
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
TV: RTE Two / BBC One
Wales host England at the Millennium Stadium in Saturday evening’s clash, having secured a comfortable 33-7 victory against Italy in Round 1. Scoring three tries, 13/13 completion at the lineout and a remarkably low penalty count of 5. There was glaring contrasts between the two halves, the first period saw Wales lack conviction in their game plan, before gaining the upper hand after the interval. Wales adopted a different approach after the break, displaying a masterclass in attacking rugby, moments of brilliance from Scott Williams & George North helped to unlock the Italian defence.
England registered their 15th consecutive Test victory against France, setting a new national record at Twickenham. With Eddie Jones describing the success as an ‘ugly win’. England will consider themselves fortunate to have come away with the victory, a late Ben Te’ o try ensured the current unbeaten run continued.
Eddie Jones will look to start on Saturday with more urgency in Cardiff, following a lacklustre first half display against France. Wales coach, Rob Howley, comes into the fixture after 4 successive victories, hoping to keep their chances of a 3rd 6 Nations in 6 years alive.
France v Scotland
Sunday, 3:00 pm
Stade de France, Paris
TV: RTE Two / BBC One
After finishing in the bottom half for the past 5 years, Les Blues resembled a side with in transition against England. With Louis Picamoles driving his side from the front and captain Guilhem Guirado, skippering a new wave of French talent, there is belief once again in the side under Guy Noves.
Scotland managed to overcome a late barrage of Ireland attack to secure a vital opening 6 Nations win at Murrayfield. A three try rout ensured a 5 point success, with captain Laidlaw scoring a penalty in the dying moments of the contest to seal a slender victory for the Scots.
France will look to continue their resurgence with victory over Vern Cotter's charges on Sunday. A raucous home crowd will make the task even harder for the visitors, France's performances at home during the November Tests showed they can mix it with the very best Test nations in the world.
