Six Nations news: Fourth round preview and predictions as Ireland eye Grand Slam
After a week off, the Six Nations returns for a fourth and penultimate round this weekend, and the fate of the Championship hangs in the balance.
A win for Ireland over France in the early kick-off on Saturday will all but secure the Grand Slam, while a French victory in Dublin will make it a three-way shootout for the title between those two and England, who host Italy in Saturday’s late game.
Elsewhere, a revitalised Wales head to Murrayfield to face Scotland on Sunday with strong hopes of ending their record winless run.
Sports News Blitz rugby writer Charlie Elliott previews all three games and offers his predictions.
Ireland vs France
Easily the biggest fixture of the weekend, the showdown between Ireland and France is crucial in deciding the fate of the 2025 Championship.
With an extremely winnable game against Italy to come in the fifth and final round, should Ireland win in Dublin, they would almost guarantee themselves a Grand Slam.
However – and this is where it gets interesting for the neutral – if France win, there will likely be three teams sitting on the same record, give or take a bonus point, heading into the last round.
As a result, the clash at the Aviva is not to be missed.
It is also set to be a game of two contrasting styles.
France have an unbelievable wealth of talent at their disposal and are simply unplayable when at their best, but the trade-off is that they sometimes lack structure.
Ireland, in contrast, are an extremely well-regimented side, who rely on physical dominance and organisation to get them through games.
With the match taking place in Dublin, the men in green will have a slight advantage, but it really is anyone's game at the end of the day.
Simon Easterby’s side have not set the world alight this year, never truly dominating opponents despite ultimately coming up clutch at crucial times and being good value for their wins.
The French, for their part, battered Wales and Italy either side of a disappointing loss to England and now find themselves chasing the title.
Prediction: France to beat Ireland by one in an absolute classic
Scotland vs Wales
This match-up might not steal all the headlines, but it is going to be very interesting.
Ahead of the tournament, Scotland were considered ‘dark horses’ and tipped by some as being potential contenders for the Championship.
Reality has since kicked in, though, as they look a long way from Ireland and even lost their unbeaten run in the Calcutta Cup in unfortunate fashion.
They now have nothing but pride to play for, which blows it wide open for Wales.
After the torrid ending to Warren Gatland’s ill-fated second tenure, the mood in the Wales camp has switched to positivity following the arrival of interim boss Matt Sherratt.
In his first game in charge – a narrow defeat to Ireland two weeks ago – the improvements were clear for all to see.
Things finally seem to be on the up for Welsh rugby and it is now imperative to establish some semblance of consistency and keep improving week on week.
With England to come on the final day, the game against Scotland is a great opportunity for Sherratt to break the nation’s record run of 15 consecutive losses.
Prediction: Wales to beat Scotland by five
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England vs Italy
Playing Italy at home is typically a run-of-the-mill game, but this year’s fixture could have huge ramifications for England's campaign.
By the time they take to the field on Sunday, Steve Borthwick’s side will know exactly what they are playing for, with Ireland and France having slugged it out the day before.
If France beat Ireland, Twickenham could very well see a cagey game, but an Ireland win essentially means the shackles are off.
Either way, England will want to win against Italy and have the quality to do so.
Italy, it must be said, are currently experiencing something of a golden generation and are sure to be eyeing a first-ever victory over the English.
In terms of personnel, Borthwick has changed up the side quite a bit and moreover left Marcus Smith out of the starting XV in a decision which could come back to haunt him should the visitors put up a big fight.
Prediction: England to beat Italy by 15 points
MORE FROM CHARLIE ELLIOT: Six Nations news: Why Marcus Smith being dropped could benefit England
