After two thrilling rounds and the dreaded fallow week, the 2024 Six Nations comes roaring back with two classic fixtures on Saturday in Dublin and Edinburgh.
Ireland are on course to repeat their Grand Slam from 2023, with Andy Farrell’s side preparing to host Warren Gatland’s Wales in the 2.25pm kick-off.
That’s before another clash between the oldest rivals in international rugby, as Scotland host England at Murrayfield in the 4.45pm kick-off.
Saturday’s Six Nations tip
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Wales won’t roll over in Dublin
It’s well known that Wales are going through a tough time, both in the club game and with the national side.
However, over the first two rounds of this year’s Six Nations this young squad have again shown what it means to put on the red jersey.
Blown away in the first half against the Scots, Wales stormed back in the last 35 minutes to almost pull off one of the great Six Nations comebacks, only to just fall short and narrowly lose 27-26.
Wales also held their own at Twickenham and might still be wondering what might have been after a nail-biting 16-14 defeat to England.
Facing Ireland away is as tough as it gets in Six Nations these days, but Wales have shown in their games against Scotland and England that they won’t go down without a fight.
The thought of a +22 handicap for Wales in Dublin would have been unthinkable a few years ago but such is the current faith in Gatland’s side and the strength of this Irish team at present.
Granted Wales will probably suffer their third defeat of the tournament on Saturday but they have the players to keep them in the fight.
Scum-half Tomos Williams will look to keep Wales playing in the right areas, while the experienced George North and his 119 caps will be valuable in the centres.
A win in Dublin is a stretch for Wales, as it is for many sides in world rugby right now, but they can fall on the right side of the handicap.
Wronged Scots can edge old rivals
Scotland will still be reeling from their TMO-denied try in the final play of the game against France last time out, as they prepare to welcome England to Murrayfield on Saturday.
The Scots were adamant Sam Skinner had gone over for the try against Les Bleus but it was not to be and now they must dust themselves off and go again against an England side that are two from two in the tournament so far.
After decades of dominance, England have had a tough time in the Calcutta Cup of late, winning just one of their last six meetings with the Scots, although confidence is building in the England camp after finishing third at the 2023 World Cup and winning their opening two games against Italy and Wales.
Saturday provides the toughest test so far for England and Steve Borthwick, whose tenure as the national head coach started with a home defeat to the Scots at Twickenham last season.
Scotland to win by a margin of 1-7 would have landed in all of the last three meetings between these sides and the trend might well continue in Edinburgh this weekend.
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