Weekend Preview

Christmas day for European rugby fans takes place tonight, with the return of the 6 nations. We take a look at the bug news ahead of each of this weekends matches.

Italy vs Ireland

Defending champions Ireland start their title defence with a tricky trip to Rome to meet the ever improving Italians. History shows that the Italians tend to open the tournament much stronger than they close it, and the Irish will be well aware that a marker will have to be laid down from minute one. Matching the Italians physically and earning the right to go wide will be at the top of the visitors game plan. This is somewhat reflected in the line up, as Sean O’Brien starts at seven despite playing just one match all season, last weeks humbling at the hands of the England Saxons. He is joined on the backrow by Jordi Murphy, who replaces the injured Jamie Heaslip. The backline is as expected for Ireland, with the exception of the flyhalf position, where Ian Keatley is preferred over Ian Madigan. Perhaps his game management skills have been taken over Madigan’s mercurial running ability, and he will need his kicking to be on song if Ireland are to come away with a win.

Wales vs England

The competition opener is an absolute belter, with Wales taking on old foes England in Cardiff. The roof will be open, as requested by the English, but that should not dampen what will be a raucous and passionate crowd at the Millennium Stadium. The visitors, in spite of being awash with injuries, name an exciting looking side, typified by the centre partnership of Jonathan Joseph and Luther Burrell. Joseph especially has been in scintillating form for his club Bath, and will be looking to bring some of that form to the international stage. In contrast Warren Gatland names a familiar looking side, with stars Jamie Roberts, Alex Cuthbert, George North and Sam Warburton all starting. It is, in truth, as full strength as the Welsh are likely to be. England will be out for revenge after the 30-3 drubbing they received in the same venue 2 years ago, follow the action live on the app.

France vs Scotland

The final match of the weekend will take us to the Stade de France, as France take on Scotland. The French line up might have caused a few raised eyebrows when it was announced, with Rory Kockett and Scott Spedding not the most French sounding of names, None the less the two South Africans will make a big difference to the side, especially the goal kicking of Kockett, Elsewhere the explosive Teddy Tomas will start and look to continue his meteoric rise to the top of world rugby. For Scotland, Mark Bennet, Blair Cowan and Finn Russell make their debuts. Scotland have not beaten the French since 2007, and not won in Paris since 1999. A tall task, but they will typically give it everything.