• Six Nations preview

England go under the spotlight at Murrayfield

ESPN staff
February 25, 2010
England know a media backlash awaits if they lose to Scotland © Getty Images
Enlarge

There are plenty of issues to resolve on the penultimate weekend of Six Nations action, with France looking to take one step closer to the Grand Slam by beating Italy, England bidding to stay in the title hunt at Scotland, and Ireland hoping to add the second leg to their defence of the Triple Crown against Wales.

Scotland v England
The many sub-plots at Murrayfield on Saturday threaten to overshadow what still remains an age-old rivalry for the Calcutta Cup. Andy Robinson, formerly coach of England, now leads the Scottish challenge but he has made sure the spotlight falls elsewhere with some antagonising pre-match comments.

Accusing England of using their decoy runners like American football blockers, Robinson has ensured a tough afternoon for referee Marius Jonker, that is, of course, if England make a rare attempt to break the gain line. Martin Johnson's men are the lowest tryscoring team among the top four nations although, when compared to Scotland's two touchdowns, England's tally of five looks like a relative feast.

Nevertheless, a poor display in Italy and a home defeat to Ireland has seen the likes of Delon Armitage and Jonny Wilkinson come under fire, with the former admitting he expected to be dropped at Murrayfield while the latter has promised to play more 'off-the-cuff' this weekend.

Johnson does have Ben Foden, the man who made a fine 20-minute cameo against Ireland, waiting in the wings, while Joe Worsley and Louis Deacon are the only two fresh starters for the weekend. Scotland have Nick De Luca in midfield, which means Max Evans switches to the wing.

Ireland v Wales
Ireland are expecting Wales to throw the kitchen sink at them at Croke Park on Saturday, despite the fact Warren Gatland's men have the worst defence in the competition. Defence coach Les Kiss predicted on Friday: "I can't see them holding back. Yes, there is some risk in the style they play, but I think they are committed to that style."

Style is a word that has been associated with the entire career of Brian O'Driscoll, and there will barely have been a more popular player to receive his 100th cap when the Ireland skipper emerges from the tunnel this weekend. O'Driscoll's message this week has been "it's not over yet" regarding his own career, but the same can be said of Ireland's Six Nations defence as they chase back-to-back Triple Crowns.

Declan Kidney keeps faith with Geordan Murphy and Jonathan Sexton in an unchanged Irish line-up. Contrastingly, Wales shake up a pack that is robbed of the talents of dynamic back row and captain Ryan Jones.

France v Italy
France will be fully expected to set up a Grand Slam showdown with England by beating Italy on Sunday, although Les Bleus have opted to rest in-form centre Mathieu Bastareaud. Perpignan's David Marty comes in as one of two changes to the side that beat Wales last time out, with Marc Andreu the other new inclusion.

With Scotland facing tough final fixtures against England and Ireland, Italy could yet avoid the wooden spoon if they can pick up points in Paris, ahead of their final fixture against Wales next week.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices