• Six Nations preview

Wilkinson out to prove a point at Twickenham

ESPN staff
February 25, 2010

After a week's break, Six Nations action returns this weekend, with France already overcoming another Wales fightback in Cardiff. Now it is the turn of Scotland, who travel to Italy, and defending champions Ireland, who face England.

England v Ireland
Martin Johnson has kept faith in fly-half Jonny Wilkinson as England remain on track for the Grand Slam. Wilkinson had an indifferent game by his own high standards in the narrow win over Italy, but has vowed to give his all against Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday.

"Everything traces back to the number 10 because the call stops there," he said. "It doesn't make for comfortable living all the time but the pressure I put myself under is more than enough, believe me."

In an unchanged England line-up Wilkinson will line up alongside Harlequins scrum-half Danny Care in the England midfield, while Jonny Sexton gets the nod over Ronan O'Gara, who has started Ireland's last two matches at No. 10.

Ireland, who have beaten England at Twickenham just three times since 1982, will be hoping to put their defeat to France last weekend behind them and emulate their 28-24 victory at Twickenham in 2006.

Italy v Scotland
Scotland coach Andy Robinson has made four changes to his Scotland side who lost to Wales last time out as they aim for back-to-back wins against the Azzurri.

Hugo Southwell, Ulster wing Simon Danielli and Glasgow's Max Evans all come into the starting XV for Scotland, while Italy will be boosted by the return of Carlo Antonio del Fava from injury.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close