Round 2 of the Men’s Six Nations returns is upon us this week with three more exciting matches. Saturday sees Italy travel to Ireland with the Azzuri looking for a win that would be among the biggest in their rugby history. The second game of the day features the most historic clash of the tournament as Scotland looks to defend Murrayfield against England.
Look for our preview of Sunday’s game in Cardiff as beleaguered Wales host rampaging France later this weekend. For now, here is a look at what will happen on Saturday.
Ireland VS Italy
Saturday, 14 February – Aviva Stadium, Dublin
Ireland were disappointing in their 36-14 defeat to France last weekend. The Irish feel like a team that has failed to adapt to some of the law changes over the last few years, with their aging core in need of a boost of youth and enthusiasm.
A rejigged backrow sees Cormac Izuchukwu starting on the flank alongside Caelan Doris, with Jack Conan starting at No. 8. There is also a debut on the win for Ulster flyer Robbie Baloucoune, while a third debut will be given when giant second row Edwin Odogbo comes off the bench.
Italy is still undermanned. Tulous back three star Ange Capuozzo isn’t yet ready to return to the 23 after a finger injury, while the loss of center Juan Ignaco Brex is massive. His partnership with Tommado Menoncello in the middle of the park gives Italy so much attacking intent without sacrificing defensive stability.
Brex missing sees Leonardo Martin move from fullback to No. 13, with Lorenzo Pani making his first start for his country in almost two years in the No. 15 jumper.
If Italy were at full strength, or if this were in Rome, then I might look at them for an upset. Ireland needs a performance, but I don’t think that they get it to the extent that will make the fans happy. Ireland wins, but Italy covers.
Scotland VS England
Saturday, 14 February – Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Talking about teams that need a performance, Scotland has to do something here, or the axe will be out for head coach Gregor Townsend after a dismal opening round loss to Italy.
Townsend has set out his stall, once again opting to go without the British Lions’ trio in the back three of wings Darcy Graham and Duhan van der Merwe, and fullback Blaid Kinghorn. Graham is on the bench as part of what seems like an antiquated 5-3 split, while Kinghorn and Iron Du are omitted entirely.
Getting back rower Jamie Richie back is huge, his work rate and jackal ability were sorely missed in Rome. There are two changes in the front row after hooker Ewan Ashman and loosehead Pierre Schoeman were worked over by the Italian scrum.
There are just two changes to the England starting lineup from the team that bullied Wales 48-7 in Round 1. Captain Maro Itoje is back in the run on 15 at lock in place of Alex Coles, with stand-in hooker Jamie George dropping to the bench to be replaced by Luke Cowan-Dickie.
England will be looking to be more consistent this week after coasting through periods of the game against the undermatched Welsh. The line feels too close, given how Scotland have historically played against England rather than their current form. Take England and the points as they win by at least two tries.
