Rugby VAVEL

Six Nations preview: England - Ireland takes centre stage at Twickenham

Round three preview.

Six Nations preview: England - Ireland takes centre stage at Twickenham
jamiehawkins123
By Hawkins Jamie

Wales vs. France

Wales kick off the next round of fixtures with a home game against Grand Slam chasing France on Friday night.

The pressure will be on the defending Champions, as they look to bounce back from a disappointing performance in Ireland, and France will be looking to continue their steady start.

But head coach Warren Gatland makes two changes to the side that were defeated in Dublin, with scrum-half Mike Phillips being dropped and replaced by Rhys Webb who will earn his fifth international cap.

And Luke Charteris replaces Andrew Coombes in the second row.  It is a big decision form Gatland dropping Phillips, although bold selections have always been a part of his tactics.

As for France, they make one change from the side that beat Italy. Wenceslas Lauret of Racing Metro replaces flanker Bernard Le Roux who suffered concussion last time out.

Italy vs. Scotland

The two winless sides meet in Rome on Saturday in what looks likely to be the decider for the wooden spoon.

Scotland have been under media scrutiny recently, and some are calling for them to be kicked out of the competition, so they need a good performance to answer any critics.

The hosts make three changes, with winger Angelo Esposito replacing Tomasso Iannone. The other changes come from the front row as Alessandro Zanni and Robert Barbieri replace Francesco Minto and Mauro Bergamasco.

As for the visitors, Scott Lawson, Richie Gray and Johnnie Beattie return to the side. Beattie will play at number 8 in place of Dave Denton. Ross Ford is replaced by Lawson at hooker, and Gray returns at the expense of Tim Swinson.

England vs. Ireland

The game of the weekend comes from Twickenham as England take on Ireland, who have two wins from two so far.

Games between these two are often thrilling, and Ireland legend Brian O’Driscoll will break another record as he will equal George Gregan's 139 international caps.

England name two changes, with Leicester Tigers tight-head prop Dan Cole ruled out for the rest of the season with a neck injury, he is replaced by David Wilson.

Bath fly-half George Ford, who is uncapped is named as a replacement in England’s only other change.

Ireland will be looking to secure the Triple Crown with a win at Twickenham, and they are unchanged from the win against Wales, although Iain Henderson and Jordi Murphy replace Dan Tuohy and Tommy O'Donnell on the bench.