As we enter the penultimate round of the 2023 Guinness Six Nations, each match carries great significance this weekend. For Ireland it is make or break, with Grand Slam hopes on the line against this years’ dark horses Scotland. England and France re-ignite their age old rivalry in the latest edition of ‘Le Crunch’. But before all that, Italy and Wales battle it out, with each side hoping to avoid the dreaded ‘wooden spoon’.
Italy v Wales: Saturday 11th March – 14:15 Kick Off
This is a must-win for both sides, as Wales and Italy are yet to record a victory in the 2023 Guinness Six Nations, and will do all they can to avoid the ‘wooden spoon’. For the first time in recent memory, Italy enter a Six Nations match as favourites. They’re inspired performances against France and Ireland saw them take the top two international sides in the world to their limits, and presented definite evidence to the progress of Italy’s re-building project.
Wales travel to Rome after off-field politics dominated the run-up to their latest match. The uncertainty amongst WRU contracts must have impacted team cohesion, with the threat of unprecedented strike action impacting Wales’ players. The dust has seemly settled for now, but regardless of external issues, Wales have been under-par in the 2023 Championships. Lacklustre performances against Ireland, Scotland and England saw Warren Gatland struggle to identify his strongest XV, with constant re-shuffling of players.
Italy present a near full strength side, with their exciting young guns ready to bring the fight to Wales. A notable absentee is Ange Capuozzo, with Harlequin Tommaso Allan replacing the injured player at full-back. Kieran Crowley has selected the same starting XV who brough the best out of Ireland, and called-up back rower Manuel Zuliani to the bench. Warren Gatland’s side sees Louis Rees-Zammit dropped to the bench, despite arguably being the stand-out attacking threat for Wales against England. Liam Williams makes his return to full back, and scrum half Rhys Webb is set to make his first Wales start in three years.
England v France: Saturday 11th March – 16:45 Kick Off
France travel to Twickenham Stadium for Saturday’s later kick-off, after Fabien Galthie’s men battled for a tough victory against Scotland. England too come into this match with momentum, after they re-found their form in a 10-20 away win over Wales. France have been an interesting side this campaign, under-firing to their usual standards, and slightly dropping their aura as the revered international entertainers. Narrowly avoiding an Italian upset, and being beaten by Ireland knocked the confidence of ‘Les Bleus’, yet a hard-fought win over Scotland has re-invigorated the camp for this weekend.
England were always going to experience teething issues, under the new appointment of Head Coach Steve Borthwick. However, the former Leicester Tigers coach now has a positive win-loss ratio under his belt, as England secured back-to-back victories over bottom place candidates Italy and Wales. The on-going Marcus Smith saga has been the predominant focus for England fans this week, as the Harlequin was dropped from the training squad, and then recalled after an inspired showing against Exeter Chiefs.
The England fly half power struggle enters a new stage, with Owen Farrell dropped to the bench, and Marcus Smith set to lead the line at fly half. Ellis Genge takes full captaincy responsibilities for the first time, and David Ribbans called up to the bench. France make two changes, as Dorian Aldegheri starts for the suspended Mohamed Haouas, and Jonathan Danty takes over from Yoram Moefana in the centre.
Scotland v Ireland: Sunday 12th March – 15:00 Kick Off
Scotland will be looking to upset Ireland’s Grand Slam hopes, as they host Any Farrell’s side at Murrayfield. Ireland look in genuine contention to win the upcoming 2023 Rugby World Cup, and a Grand Slam would solidify this claim ahead of September. With the Six Nations title looking all but secured, Ireland will want a clean sweep, yet Gregor Townsend’s men will be no easy task for them.
Scotland v France was an all-time Six Nations classic, with end-to-end drama keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Scotland responded from a 19-0 deficit, and narrowed the gap with belief of a comeback victory, before Gael Fickou’s try fell Scotland short at the very end. Scotland’s Darcey Graham is expected to miss the match, as he has been unable to recover from a knee injury. Lock Grant Gilchrist will also miss out, as his high tackle on Anthony Jelonch sees Gilchrist suspended for the rest of the tournament. Jonny and Richie Gray partner up in the second row in Gilchrist’s absence.
Andy Farrell has made several changes from the side who took on Italy. Many of Ireland’s biggest names were awarded with a rest week against Italy, with Johnny Sexton returning to lead from fly half. Hooker Dan Sheehan starts in the two jersey, and Farrell has reverted to his tried-and-tested back row of Peter O’Mahoney, Josh van der Flier and Caelan Doris. Tadhg Furlong makes his long awaited return in the front row.