After a one-week break, the Six Nations returns under a wave of uncertainty as Wales confirmed on Wednesday their match against England would take place, after talks with the players over contract disputes were resolved.
In the round’s early kickoff, Ireland head to Rome where they will look to follow up on resounding victories over Wales and France. Andy Farrell’s side have looked every bit worth their tag of world No. 1 and will hoping for a repeat performance against Italy, whose only point so far came as a bonus in their 24-point effort against France.
Elsewhere on Saturday, off-the-field issue will be spoken about just as much as anything that happens on the pitch at the Principality Stadium. England head coach Steve Borthwick is seeking his second win since taking charge in December, but it is how Wales’ players respond after threatening industrial action that will dictate the focus in Cardiff.
The final clash of the weekend could be a cracker. Scotland have put together a pair of victories over England and Wales and will hope to prove their credentials once again as they take on reigning Six Nations champions France at the Stade de France in Paris.
Italy vs, Ireland, Saturday, 2.15pm GMT, Stadio Olympic, Rome
Paolo Garbisi will play at fly-half for Italy in their Six Nations fixture against world number one Ireland in Rome on Saturday, his first start since the autumn international series late last year.
The Montpellier No. 10 missed the opening two games of the tournament with knee injury and replaces Tommaso Allan, while wing Pierre Bruno is another change from the team that lost 31-14 to England last time out.
He takes over from Tommaso Menoncello, who moves to inside centre as Luca Morisi misses out.
“Every game has a different story,” coach Kieran Crowley said. “We will face Ireland aware of what we did against France and England with the aim of improving in some areas that will make us more competitive.
“It will be a tough game against the number one team in the world and we can’t wait to face them.”
Italy have four wins in 34 previous matches against Ireland, though their only success since 1999 came in a 22-15 Six Nations victory in Rome a decade ago.
Italy: Ange Capuozzo, Edoardo Padovani, Juan Ignacio Brex, Tommaso Menoncello, Pierre Bruno, Paolo Garbisi, Stephen Varney, Lorenzo Cannone, Michele Lamaro (Captain), Sebastian Negri, Federico Ruzza, Niccolò Cannone, Simone Ferrari, Giacomo Nicotera, Danilo Fischetti.
Replacements: Luca Bigi, Federico Zani, Marco Riccioni, Edoardo Iachizzi, Giovanni Pettinelli, Alessandro Fusco, Luca Morisi, Tommaso Allan.
Ireland:
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Wales vs. England, Saturday, 4.45pm GMT, Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Wales:
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England:
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France vs. Scotland, Saturday, 3pm GMT, Stade de France, Paris
France:
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Scotland:
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