England v Ireland

Kick-off: 14:10 (UK) & 15:10 (ITA), Saturday 21 February, Allianz Stadium – London

Watch live: Coverage available on ITV (UK), RTÉ (Ireland)

Team News:

England: Steward; Freeman, Lawrence, Dingwall, Arundell; Ford, Mitchell; Genge, Cowan-Dickie, Heyes, Itoje (capt), Chessum, T Curry, Earl, Pollock.

Replacements: George, Rodd, Davison, Coles, Pepper, Underhill, Van Poortvliet, M Smith.

Ireland: Osborne; Baloucoune, Ringrose, McCloskey, Lowe; Crowley, Gibson-Park; Loughman, Sheehan, Furlong, Ryan, McCarthy, Beirne, Van der Flier, Doris (capt).

Replacements: Kelleher, O’Toole, Bealham, Conan, Timoney, Casey, Frawley, O’Brien

Ireland face a stern test as they travel to the Allianz Stadium, which has become something of a fortress under Steve Borthwick. Although England’s 12-game winning streak was ended at Murrayfield last weekend, they remain formidable at home, where their last defeat came in November 2024 and they have since won nine in a row.

That said, Ireland have enjoyed the upper hand in recent meetings, winning five of the last six encounters. Their only defeat in that run came via a last-minute drop goal in this fixture two years ago.

The men in green secured a much-needed victory over Italy last time out, with Robert Baloucoune and James Lowe impressing on the wings. However, their attack at times lacked fluency and they struggled for dominance up front. In response, Farrell has turned to Jack Crowley at fly-half to bring greater control to the backline, while Tadhg Furlong’s return to the front row will bolster the scrum. Tadhg Beirne, Josh van der Flier and Jamison Gibson-Park also come back into the starting XV, as Ireland lean on experience for the trip to Twickenham.

Recent encounters

2025 (Dublin): Ireland 27–22 England

2024 (London): England 23–22 Ireland

2023 (Dublin): Ireland 29–16 England

Wales v Scotland

Kick-off: 16:40 (UK), Saturday 21 February, Principality Stadium – Cardiff

Watch live: Coverage available on BBC (UK)

Team News:

Wales: Rees-Zammit; Hamer-Webb, James, Hawkins, Adams; Costelow, T Williams; Carre, Lake (capt), Francis, Jenkins, Carter, Plumtree, Mann, Wainwright.

Replacements: Elias, Smith, Griffin, F Thomas, Botham, Hardy, J Evans, Murray.

Scotland: Kinghorn, Steyn, Jones, Tuipulotu (capt), Van der Merwe, Russell, White; McBeth, Cherry, Z Fagerson, Williamson, Cummings, Brown, Darge, M Fagerson.

Replacements: Cherry, Schoeman, Millar-Mills, Williamson, M Fagerson, Horne, Hastings, Graham

Wales have suffered heavy defeats in the opening two rounds, though both were against opponents they would have expected to challenge for the title. This fixture was likely earmarked by Steve Tandy as a genuine opportunity to secure a result. They face a Scotland side brimming with confidence after a commanding performance to reclaim the Calcutta Cup — but the key question is whether they can now deliver the consistency their supporters demand.

Historically, this fixture has favoured Wales for much of the century, but Scotland have won the last three meetings. Their one-point victory in Cardiff two years ago was their first there since 2002. Notably, those recent Scottish successes came while Tandy was serving as defence coach — leaving him well placed to plot their downfall this weekend.

Tandy has made several changes in search of improvement. Scarlets fly-half Sam Costelow replaces Dan Edwards at 10, while Taine Plumtree comes into the back-row. Ben Carter earns recognition for his strong form with Dragons RFC this season, and Scarlets’ Blair Murray is included to provide impact from the bench.

For Scotland, an injury to Jamie Dobie opens the door for Duhan van der Merwe to return to the starting XV, adding Edinburgh representation. Glasgow pair Max Williamson and Matt Fagerson are also recalled.

Recent encounters

2025 (Edinburgh): Scotland 35-29 Wales

2024 (Cardiff): Wales 26-27 Scotland

2023 (Edinburgh): Scotland 35-7 Wales

France v Italy

Kick-off: 15:10 (UK), Sunday 15 February, Stade Pierre Mouroy – Lille

Watch live: Coverage available on ITV (UK), Sky Italia (Ita)

Team News:

France: tba

Replacements:

Italy: tba

Replacements:

Italy’s growing confidence and rising expectations were evident in Dublin last weekend, where they left disappointed not to have secured victory. Next up is arguably the toughest assignment in international rugby, with France having delivered two statement performances to open the championship.

While Les Bleus comfortably beat Italy in Rome last year, this meeting carries added intrigue. The sides face off at the Stade Pierre Mauroy in Lille on Sunday — the venue for their dramatic 13–13 draw in 2024. That contest could have ended very differently, as Paolo Garbisi’s late penalty attempt struck the post after the ball fell from the tee with seconds left on the shot clock, denying Italy a historic first win on French soil.

The challenge is even greater this time, but Italy’s enterprising backline and increasingly powerful pack should provide France with their sternest examination of the tournament so far.