Weekend Preview

We often say here that the big weekends of action come thick and fast in the rugby world. This weekend unfortunately is not one of them. With the six nations around the corner the big leagues of Europe take a break, and so we look forward to the LV Cup and A level internationals.

Ireland A vs England Saxons

This may not be a full level international on paper, but the quality of both teams means it will have all the intensity and skill of many of next weeks games. Ireland A name a team both skilled and experienced in equal measure. In what is surely the biggest team news of the weekend, Sean O’Brien finally returns to action after an extended period on the sidelines. He slots in in the backrow where he is joined by Jack Conan, who has been in scintillating form of late for Leinster. Elsewhere Mike Ross starts at tighthead, in what looks to be an indication of how Joe Schmidt sees his front row lining up for the Six Nations proper. The back line throws up a number of interesting combinations, most notably Darcy and Keith Earls in the centres. That seems to suggest that Luke FitzGerald is being considered for the wing position and not at centre where he has gone so well for Leinster in recent weeks. For England it is a similar story, where clearly a number of players are being looked at for next week. The big news regards Sam Burgess, who is selected at twelve as he continues his transition from League to Union.

Harlequins vs Bath

The LV Cup may have its detractors, but every now and then it throws up a game like Harlequins vs Bath. Having been soundly beaten by Bath already this year Quins will be in no mood to let a reapeat happen. They name a strong team with only a handful of regulars missing. Nick Evans starts at the pivot position, and his experience will be vital to a side with a number of youngsters in the side. Jack Clifford at 7 for example will look to him for direction, against a typically strong path team. Despite missing a host of internationals, they still have the likes of Matt Banahan and Horatia Agulla in the backline to provide impetus. Should be a tight clash, follow the action all weekend on the Ultimat Rugby App.