Six Nations

The third weekend of Six Nations action gets underway with another blockbuster selection of matches. Italy and Ireland kick things off on Saturday afternoon ...

- Scotland - 10 pts - Ireland - 10 pts Ireland have looked incredibly strong in the opening rounds, and look sure to go far in the World Cup later this year.

Ireland will want to keep their Grand Slam dreams alive when they visit the Stadio Olimpico this Saturday afternoon.On paper, a clash between world nu.

Italy has already shipped 60 points in their opening two games, and Ireland will want to continue to add to that punishment. The second £10 free fixed odds bet and the second £5 free Total Goals football spread bet will be credited 24 hours later. The Leinster full-back put in a man-of-the-match performance against Wales on the opening weekend and followed that up with the opening try against France in Dublin. Once the bet is settled, get a £10 free fixed odds bet plus a £5 free Total Goals football spread bet. In a game that has the potential to be very one-sided, a total points bet could be the best way forward. Keenan will see the game against the Italians as the perfect opportunity to build on that score, and given the Italian’s poor defensive record, he is worth a punt at 11/8 with bet365. While Italian fans will have a tiny bit of optimism based on their first home outing, the odds are seriously stacked against them. Ireland decimated Italy in last year’s Six Nations, picking up a 57-6 victory in Dublin. You can expect more of the same this week, with an Ireland -22 handicap being available at evens with bet365. Ireland has lived up to their pre-tournament favourite status so far, with dominant performances against Wales and France in their opening two games. The team was able to exploit France’s lack of discipline in the game, but it seems unlikely the Irish will give them the same luxury. The odds don’t seem to think so.

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SIMPLE_SELECTION The big key to this treble is France v Scotland on Sunday. Against the worst side in the Six Nations, Keenan to Score A Try Anytime at better than even money is a good bet. In terms of a match verdict, well, there’s been a bit of change-up in the starting side, and I think that is bound to have an effect on the Irish performance and it might dip slightly. Ireland have dominated their recent encounters with Italy and won 57-6 at the Aviva last year. We’re looking at week three of the 2023 Six Nations and we’ve been flying in recent weeks.

Kenny Logan, who was part of the side that won Scotland's last title in 1999, believes they are now playing with the belief Gregor Townsend had in his own ...

But, if you take off the distances glasses for a moment, there are plenty of reasons to be positive. He probably wasn’t good enough to go to the Junior World Championships in 2012, but Wright wanted him on the plane for his character. But those with more long-range vision will look at the 2027 edition in Australia and realise that the central figures of this side will probably not make it that far. At 28, Scotland have the highest average age of any Six Nations side this year, albeit it is a tight grouping from 26 (Italy and France) up to the Scottish mark. Eventually, in part thanks to Wright’s campaigning, Watson was given a Scotland 7s contract and was then signed by Edinburgh. Wright watched with dismay as Watson, defensively one of the best players around in his age group, was shunned by the SRU. The conception of this side was the Glasgow Warriors team that was prepared to blood young players under Sean Lineen and then flourished under Gregor Townsend. If there was a Lions selection now, they’d probably take most of that back division, easily, and that’s without discussing the forwards.” When they go to Paris on Sunday, they will do so having won their last time out for the first time since 1999. “The ability of the team is there. “And we can beat them, on our day, but we need more than ‘on our day’, we need to be fully engaged, playing well and being consistent. Consistency, the hallmark of all great sides, has been sorely lacking; for all the flamboyant rugby and famous wins over the English, Scotland have not finished better than fourth in the Six Nations table since 2018.

England will face Wales in the Six Nations on Saturday after a planned strike over contracts was called off saving the crunch match - valued to be worth ...

They will be making sure that people are right to play on Saturday." "I know that they are a very proud nation. That was amid a contract renewal freeze which left players with contracts running out and fearing for their future. Don't use it as an excuse, use it as an opportunity to propel you forward'. The match in Cardiff is believed to be worth close to £9million for the WRU and will go ahead after a resolution materialised between players and bosses. [England](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/england-rugby-union-team) have been warned that their [Six Nations](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/six-nations) clash means "much more" to opponents [Wales](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/wales-rugby-union-team) after strike action which threatened to cancel the match was called off.

The Leader of the House was gracious in defeat after Scotland beat England earlier this month – and even found a way to turn her disappointment into an ...

[#ENGSCO](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGSCO?src=hashtag_click) match was such a thriller, worth enduring the pre-match trash talk and very ungracious jubilation of [@John2Win](https://twitter.com/John2Win). [@SixNationsRugby](https://twitter.com/SixNationsRugby). I hope the Scottish Government will consult those iconic brands and distilleries and related industries, which are so important to the Scottish economy, and find a sensible way forward." Friend the Member for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk (John Lamont), who is not a gracious winner. But after Scotland ran out 29-23 winners in a pulsating match featuring one of the all-time great tries courtesy of Duhan van der Merwe, a jubilant Lamont let them have it. and upset the odds to secure a famous win. Four days later, she graciously congratulated Scotland during Business Questions at the [The Famous Grouse](https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/all-about/whisky) on their jerseys again or even the Guinness Six Nations tournament; indeed, the multi-million pound Johnnie Walker development in [Edinburgh](https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/all-about/edinburgh) may be seeking a new name. [House of Commons](https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/all-about/westminster) – before turning the focus on the Scottish Government's controversial plans to restrict alcohol advertising. [Penny Mordaunt](https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/all-about/penny-mordaunt) and Robbie Moore and their Scots colleague John Lamont all [updated their entries](https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmregmem/230220/Updates%20-%207-20%20February%202023.pdf) to include the freebie. [Scotland](https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/all-about/scotland-rugby-team) take on the hosts at the home of English rugby... [Penny Mordaunt tells SNP to ditch 'slopey-shouldered separatism' as she turns guns on deposit return scheme](https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/penny-mordaunt-tells-snp-ditch-29298494)

Wales have lost 11 of their last 14 Tests and nearly went on strike to call this match off – but England will be wary of a stirred-up Cardiff putting those ...

[Wales ](https://inews.co.uk/topic/wales-rugby-union?ico=in-line_link)conceded 35 penalties across those two matches, and anything similar on Saturday will give Farrell and his boot the chance to pile pressure on through an England pack who found renewed belief and set-piece solidity in the win over Italy last time out. We’re trying to get that understanding of how we want to play. “If you don’t get your basics right, you lose Test matches. [Six Nations](https://inews.co.uk/topic/six-nations?ico=in-line_link) trips to Cardiff, the disarray of the hosts is surely a factor this time round. [England](https://inews.co.uk/topic/england-rugby-union?ico=in-line_link) are odds-on favourites to beat a shaken and [stirred-up Wales](https://inews.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/welsh-rugby-laughing-stock-six-nations-victory-england-2173398?ico=in-line_link) in Cardiff on Saturday, and the chance is clear for the visiting midfield of [Owen Farrell, Ollie Lawrence and Henry Slade](https://inews.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/wales-vs-england-team-starting-line-up-replacements-six-nations-2023-fixture-2168693?ico=in-line_link) to prove they can grab hold of a Test and shape it as they see fit. [Strike talk among Wales players](https://inews.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/wales-six-nations-match-vs-england-go-ahead-strike-2167236?ico=in-line_link) in the build-up, compounding two comprehensive [defats to Ireland](https://inews.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/six-nations-warren-gatland-return-wales-discipline-errors-ireland-2128854?ico=in-line_link) and Scotland in the Six Nations rounds one and two, make it feel as if the Welsh will be trading on emotion over form at a packed Principality Stadium.

Wales vs England match preview: TV & streaming details, ticket information, free betting tips & prediction…

Where can I stream Wales vs England in the UK? What channel is Wales vs England on in the UK? Where is Wales vs England taking place?

Minute-by-minute report: Can Ireland stay on track for the Grand Slam with victory over an improving Italy. Join Lee Calvert.

The only continuity from that difficult day a decade back is Conor Murray and Peter O’Mahony are still around, as well as the ever latent yet indomitable Dave Kilcoyne. Craig Casey, the Munster man who never misses a chance to sniff something, will be his halfback partner. A lot can happen in ten years. Italy welcome back their sparkly-eyed talisman, Paolo Garbisi, who takes his place in the 10 shirt and pushed Tommaso Allan onto the bench. Ireland fans, are you starting to fully believe in this team now, or is The Fear™ still lurking like impending danger? The biggest omission is Johnny Sexton - recovering from an injury but may well have missed this week in any case – replaced by Ross Byrne.

Italy need to regather some momentum having been outfought by England at Twickenham last time out, a disappointing step back that came after they gave France an ...

"A little bit of a different dynamic for them, starting the game, but we expect the control that they've had. Should be some atmosphere in store at the Stadio Olimpico this afternoon. He's obviously very, very disappointed because it was going to be his 50th cap, so he's out. "We're aware of that, and our preparation says so. Farrell has made six changes to his team for today’s clash at the [Six Nations](/topic/six-nations) returns in Rome this afternoon with Ireland heavy favourites to take another step on the road to a first Grand Slam since 2018. Follow Italy vs Ireland live in the Six Nations below! It’s up to us whether it is or not. Italy need to regather some momentum having been outfought by England at Twickenham last time out, a disappointing step back that came after they gave France an almighty scare on opening weekend. It was the right thing for the right moment and we expect that to be the same from the start of the game. "Italy are obviously chasing that win at home and it's a big scalp, so we know the emotion that they've always had, but the skill that they've put in with that now makes them a serious threat to us. We’ve seen a candid Andy Farrell at times this week in the build-up to the trip to Rome.

The headlines this week have been dominated by Wales players contract dispute with the Welsh Rugby Board, but the news out of the camp is that players now ...

Ireland look to continue their Six Nations Grand Slam quest against Italy in Rome.

England are moving nearer and nearer to putting Wales awway but still the hosts stay in it! An error from Leigh Halfpenny, but Justin Tipuric ensures England do not capitalise! - Nick Tompkins cannot believe the decision of Mathieu Raynal, and Louis Rees-Zammit demands an explanation, too, after England are awarded a scrum having held up a Welsh carrier on the right. Into the final throes with Wales in possession. This was clearly a contest between two flawed sides, but English wins in Wales are not won easily, and Steve Borthwick’s developing team do deserve credit for gutsing it out to get the win. We were right in the game throughout - if we look back, we probably left a couple of opportunities out there.

Hooker Ronan Kelleher, lock Iain Henderson, back-row forward Jack Conan and centre Bundee Aki have also been recalled for the visit to Rome. Team news: Italy: ...

The game will kick off at 2.15 pm. The TMO is checking for a shoulder on Craig Casey and it's a penalty as well but no card Italy 0-5 Ireland Italy 7-5 Ireland Italy 10-19 Ireland Italy 7-12 Ireland Italy 10-12 Ireland Italy 17-24 Ireland Italy 10-24 Ireland Italy 20-24 Ireland Italy 20-27 Ireland Italy 20-34 Ireland

Wales are looking for their first win of the Six Nations tournament as they take on England in Cardiff. | ITV News Wales.

The only real action to speak of was Farrell's second missed penalty of the match. With neither side able to wrestle the ascendency, the game was largely played between the two 10 metre lines. Immediately after the break, Rees-Zammit brought the stadium to its feet. The ball was recycled an Anthony Watson strolled over in the far corner. An intricate play from a scrum saw Ollie Lawrence carry into the Welsh 22. His penalty from 45 metres out opened the scoring after 10 minutes.

Wales endured a chaotic week after players threatened to strike over a freeze in contracts - which put the game with England in doubt.

We had a meeting with the players just to announce the team. We need to pull together now and find the best way forward. We said it's an opportunity to draw a line in the sand and focus completely on preparing for Saturday.' His quality and experience has contributed to a focused training week, marked by the sort of competition and intensity we expect. 'We are looking forward to getting out there on Saturday and going toe-to-toe with England. Players will now have the option to sign fixed contracts guaranteeing their salaries 'If we can continue to do that, we won't end up in a position like this in the future. Warren Gatland's team have endured a tough start to their 2023 Six Nations campaign - losing both games they have played so far. Hopefully, we don't end up here again. And what is the team news? [withdrew a threat to strike for the Six Nations game with England](/sport/rugbyunion/article-11780757/Wales-players-WITHDRAW-strike-threat-ahead-crunch-Six-Nations-clash-England.html) after an agreement with the WRU was reached. [England](/sport/england_rugby_team/index.html) travel to the Principality Stadium to face rivals [Wales](/sport/wales_rugby/index.html) in a crucial Six Nations showdown - with the hosts coming into the clash off the back of a historic week for the national team.

Meet the referee in charge of the Italy v Ireland Six Nations game at Rome's Stadio Olimpico today.

You can watch the match live on ITV1 and ITVX with build up to the clash beginning at 1.25pm. Jack Crowley, 23. James Ryan (c), 6. Jack Conan Replacements: 16. Tommaso Allan Tommaso Menoncello, 11. A former Scotland 7s international, his primary playing position was at fly-half. Scotland’s Mike Adamson is the man in charge of today’s Italy v Ireland clash. As with the November tests and The Rugby Championship, the Guinness Six Nations represents another opportunity for a talented group of match officials with a superb work ethic to help facilitate more excellent tests in what is probably the most competitive period in men’s rankings history.” Advertisement Talking about the selection process ahead of the tournament, Whether decisions go your team’s way or not, there’s a good chance the referee will become a talking point of this afternoon’s game.

This match had remained in real doubt up until Wednesday, when the threat of strike action from the Welsh players was finally avoided amid a bitter contract ...

"I have experienced what it's like on a match day in Cardiff - it's crazy, it's carnage - and these are the games you want to be involved in. "I was thinking earlier in the week that we had to play games in Covid with no crowds and you didn't want to do that, so we have to embrace this. Courtney Lawes will take a seat on the bench, having finally shaken off glute and calf concerns. So the more we can nullify their threats and be on top, you'd like to think maybe they'll be a bit quieter. We have made a stand, we have made people stand up and take notice and showed the strength we have as a playing group. “His role will be different at times, because it’s different to when you’re starting or you’re on the bench, but he will have a big impact. It's all about getting stuck into the next thing and going back to what we know works for us and don't go into our shells." Leigh Halfpenny and Louis Rees-Zammit start after injury, with Owen Williams getting the nod at fly-half for the first time. If we can have a good start and get on top early, you never know - the crowd might grow quiet. "It has been a shock to all the players," Owens said. The squad has been galvanised and come together, and I am sure you will see that on Saturday [Six Nations](/topic/six-nations) continues in Cardiff this afternoon as two old rivals collide in what is sure to be a bruising Test clash.

After talk of a Wales player strike cancelling the fixture, the Six Nations match will go ahead in Cardiff on Saturday afternoon.

A win at Twickenham against Italy last time out will have provided a welcome boost, but the Cardiff atmosphere is a unique challenge for any visiting side. However, with the distractions in the build-up it is less than ideal preparation for what is a huge match. Wales have conceded 69 points across two matches so far, and having only scored 17 it looks bad at present for a side who were ranked number one in the world and winning grand slams just a few years ago. Ollie Chessum, 6. Ollie Lawrence, 11. Tomos Williams, 1. Owen Williams, 9. Replacements: 16. Slipping to ninth in the world, they are at their lowest ebb for a long time, but with England in town there is sure to be added motivation. With a fervent atmosphere expected in Cardiff, it could prove to be the perfect motivation for Wales to turn their form around, but with England building under Steve Borthwick it will be a fascinating test. The match will be broadcast live on the BBC, with coverage from Cardiff beginning at 4pm - Welsh language viewers can watch the match on S4C. England will be hoping to build on the momentum of their win against Italy with a trip to Cardiff on Saturday to face a Wales side who will be hurting from successive defeats to open their campaign.

The Six Nations Championship for 2023 is well underway, with Ireland currently topping the table following victories against Wales, France and Italy.

Ireland vs England (Saturday, March 18 at 5pm) France vs Wales (Saturday, March 18 at 2.45pm) Scotland vs Italy (Saturday, March 18 at 12.30pm) England vs France (Saturday, March 11 at 4.45pm) Italy vs Wales (Saturday, March 11 at 2.15pm) Wales vs England (Saturday, February 25 at 4.45pm)

The Cardiff roar will be key as the Red Rose come into the Principality Stadium eager to heap more misery on Warren Gatland and the Welsh rugby crisis. The ...

England are moving nearer and nearer to putting Wales awway but still the hosts stay in it! An error from Leigh Halfpenny, but Justin Tipuric ensures England do not capitalise! - Nick Tompkins cannot believe the decision of Mathieu Raynal, and Louis Rees-Zammit demands an explanation, too, after England are awarded a scrum having held up a Welsh carrier on the right. Into the final throes with Wales in possession. This was clearly a contest between two flawed sides, but English wins in Wales are not won easily, and Steve Borthwick’s developing team do deserve credit for gutsing it out to get the win. We were right in the game throughout - if we look back, we probably left a couple of opportunities out there.

Minute-by-minute report: After a difficult build-up, can Wales rally themselves for a win over England? Join Lee Calvert.

The first scrum of the game is a Wales one on halfway, but Ref Raynal blows up and awards a free kick to England for early engagement by the home pack. Some tidy drills from both sides; England with the kick-off exit then Wales with a sensible lineout and kick in return. After that there’s a couple of two-passes-out attacks from Wales that are too slow and too flat (and not a very good idea to start with), that England eventually clamp onto at the breakdown to win a penalty. The ball is very quickly recycled and there’s a four on two overlap for Dombrandt to fire a pass to Watson who finishes well in the left corner. The backs are busy with the ball, lots of fast hands and pop passes before Sinckler blocks Tipuric to give Wales a penalty. Wales put some phases together in the England half, twenty of them in fact, the best moment coming when Rees-Zammit loops off his wing to take the ball through a hole and in behind. Tomos Williams quick taps a penalty at a scrum and feeds the ball left into his backline, but as the tackle completes Wales can’t resource the clearout (again) and it’s penalty to England (again). The ball is back in Wales hands as the clock goes into the red and the possession enters the England 22. This allows England to cross into the Wales half and up to the line with some threat before Tipuric clamps on with one of his specials to win a penalty. After some time, Wales are back in the England half and a knock-on from the visitors will give a scrum to the home side. On the latest take by Williams he takes a knock to his hip and he’s off and replaced by Dan Biggar. The message at half-time was to stay in the arm wrestle, but we gave away some critical turnovers and a few dropped balls at the wrong time.

Grand Slam-chasing Ireland avoided a major upset to keep themselves on course for Guinness Six Nations glory with a disjointed 34-20 bonus-point win over ...

Another Garbisi penalty cut the lead to 24-20 and Farrell cut a concerned figure in the stands after Aki was denied a second score of the afternoon as replays showed he lost possession on the ground before regathering. James Lowe, who benefited from a favourable call to claim a try in the 32-19 win over France a fortnight ago, was denied a quick-fire score on this occasion as replays showed he dropped the ball just before grounding with a one-handed finish under pressure from Ange Capuozzo. But the Irish, helped by nine points from Ross Byrne, survived the scare to remain on course for a championship clean sweep moving on to March appointments with title rivals Scotland and England.

Ireland's hunt for a Six Nations Grand Slam is on after the world's top-ranked team overcame Italy 34-20 in an entertaining encounter in Rome on Saturday.

However Byrne then slotted a penalty of his own before Hansen scored his second try of the match with nine minutes remaining when he slipped away from the defensive line to cross under the posts and guarantee Ireland the win. Bruno made the half-time score a respectable 24-17 in favour of the Irish when he intercepted a sloppy Aki pass and charged most of the field to score under the posts for a score converted by Garbisi. However Italy recovered from the early blow and after a long spell of pressure swept the ball across to the right flank and into the hands of Nicolo Cannone, who burst through the Irish defence and fell just short of the try line.

Ireland avoided a shock result at the hands of an impressive Italy as they came out on top in Rome, winning the Six Nations clash 34-20 in Rome.

[Italy](https://www.planetrugby.com/team/italy) while Paolo Garbisi kicked 10 points in an impressive performance from the improving Azzurri. Another Garbisi penalty cut the lead to 24-20 and Farrell cut a concerned figure in the stands after Aki was denied a second score of the afternoon as replays showed he lost possession on the ground before regathering. [Ireland](https://www.planetrugby.com/team/ireland) arrived in the Italian capital seeking a third consecutive tournament success but without a host of star names due to injury. [Six Nations](https://www.planetrugby.com/category/six-nations) since a shock 22-15 success over Declan Kidney’s Ireland a decade ago. Crossings from James Ryan, Hugo Keenan, Bundee Aki and Mack Hansen (2) were added to by nine points from the boot of Ross Byrne on Saturday. Ireland avoided a shock result at the hands of a confident Italy as they came out on top in Rome, winning the Six Nations clash 34-20 in Rome.

Wing Mack Hansen scored a brace of tries as Ireland held off a spirited challenge from hosts Italy in Rome to claim a 34-20 bonus-point victory in the Six ...

Following a 34-20 victory for Ireland over Italy in their Six Nations fixture, here's our five takeaways from the match at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

But a Test rookie coming off the bench against Scotland at Murrayfield is not ideal, with Ireland fans no doubt keeping a close eye on Furlong’s recovery updates in the coming week or so. McCloskey and Aki were superb on attack, with both players showcasing their physicality and softer skills, particularly in the first half. This caused a midfield shuffle, with Bundee Aki shifting to outside centre and Stuart McCloskey reclaiming the number 12 jumper. There is a reason very few top teams run it from deep, and Italy need to learn the value of territory. A lot of attention has rightly been given to Paolo Garbisi and Ange Capuozzo, two players that have already shown their class regularly at international level, but others are also stepping up. It was very much a case of job done for Ireland as they picked up a bonus-point success over the Azzurri.

Ireland coach Andy Farrell was pleased with the five points but not the performance after watching his side labour to a 34-20 victory over Italy in their ...

"It is about the performance, about the next one. "We found a way and it's nice to get the bonus-point win away from home. they were tough and resilient and in the forwards they gave us absolutely nothing. "All credit must go to Italy, it was a proper Test match, they are a proper side," Farrell said. "We let them into the game through lack of discipline at times. I don't know what it was, four or five tries that we left out there," said Farrell.

Wales came off second-best in the kicking battle in Cardiff as Steve Borthwick's side collected their second straight win in the 2023 Six Nations, ...

[jousting with the WRU over player salaries](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/breaking-wales-england-six-nations-29284930), calling on Welsh rugby to unite with a [Rugby World Cup](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/rugby-world-cup-2019) to come later this year. [Scotland](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/scotland-rugby-union-team) remain the only other unbeaten outfit in this year's Six Nations, though that record will be put to the sword when Gregor Townsend's men visit France in Paris on Sunday. "It was a good test for us and we took control in the last 20," he continued. Connacht winger Mack Hansen scored a try at the end of each half to prove the difference in a surprisingly tense showdown as [Italy](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/italy-rugby-union-team) continue to show signs of improvement. All but ruling out any chance of a late comeback, England's third try of the day also spoiled the hosts' hopes of a losing bonus point. Referee Mathieu Raynal might have some questions to answer after failing to consult his TMO for such a crucial score, which was given despite Sinckler diving in under the posts among a pile of bodies. For all their fervour in attack, however, Welsh oversights in the clutch moments wrecked any chance of the upset. Louis Rees-Zammit's intercept try after the restart inspired hope for a [Wales](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/wales-rugby-union-team) team that made nine changes following defeat to Scotland, but a lack of finishing firepower saw them fail to convert. If there were complaints over Wales' pace in the first half, Rees-Zammit served to answer those critics with a run-in score intercepting Max Malins' poor pass on halfway. Leigh Halfpenny was helpless to prevent the Tigers talisman leapfrogging the visitors into a more comfortable lead, though Farrell's missed conversion left enough room for Wales' veteran full-back to close the gap back to five minutes later. The Red Rose raised its game at the right moments to dominate the aerial battle, while Wales' poor rucking saw England also clear up at ground level. England's captain couldn't keep up that accuracy from the tee, however, as he missed two more opportunities his side could ill afford before the interval.

England heap more misery on troubled Wales with a scrappy Six Nations victory in Cardiff.

Rees-Zammit lit up the Cardiff stadium early in the second half after intercepting a loose pass from Malins to sprint away to score. This defeat means Wales will drop to 10th in the world rankings. It was Cardiff redemption for Sinckler after Wales had wound him up four years ago and forced him to be replaced early in the second half of that match. Halfpenny was given a fearsome welcome back to international rugby after he was repeatedly smashed by England tacklers as the visitors enjoyed the ascendancy in the aerial battle in the first half. England demonstrated attacking intent with Max Malins and Lawrence creating the space for Watson to dive over to score in his first international for almost two years. Wales have endured their worst start in the tournament since 2007 and have to travel to face Italy and France as they bid to avoid a first Six Nations whitewash in 20 years.

Freddie Steward shines as England sink a stubborn Wales side which refused to go away after the lively Louis Rees-Zammit's try.

6 7 6 Lewis Ludlam Came up with a big turnover just before the interval in a key period where England held firm. 1 Ellis Genge Huge tackle on Halfpenny and a good battle with Francis at the scrum. 11 Anthony Watson Has a habit of scoring against Wales and took his try on his first start in nearly two years wonderfully well. 5 Alun Wyn Jones Was in the thick of things, stealing lineouts and so often a willing carrier.

Full-back Freddie Steward mastered an aerial bombardment to help England to a 20-10 victory over Wales in the Six Nations at the Principality Stadium on ...

The ball was recycled, but Dombrandt was on hand to win a crucial penalty for England, Farrell clearing. Halfpenny converted and, against all the odds, Wales were 10-8 up. Farrell's conversion came back off the post. "I thought it was a step forward for us. A raft of replacements took the sting out of the electric start to the second half. Fair play to them."

Warren Gatland felt his Wales side created their own problems in the Six Nations defeat to England, while England's Steve Borthwick lauded his players' ...

"We drew a line in the sand on Wednesday and not having that as an excuse. There was a fair contingent there today, they were incredible," he said. And I'll keep backing the boys to do that. The energy and work-rate I can't question," he said. Whether it's nailing a lineout, or the ball going to ground off a pass. "We weren't making any excuses over what happened during the week.

Wales have been battling all week on and off the field. They'd secured one victory on Wednesday, but this was one scrap too many as Warren Gatland remains ...

It was only on Wednesday when the game was green lit after their 10-day long tete-a-tete with the powers that be in Wales over contracts and a voice. They have had some fine days here in Cardiff; the sorts of days where the noise reverberates through your chest, you get carried away on the hymns and arias and you cannot see anything but a Welsh victory. But the new faces in the Welsh midfield in Mason Grady and Joe Hawkins are experiencing a different Principality Stadium. You'll have those who talk of how it's 0-3 for Wales in this Six Nations, and look to the grim reality of the hand Warren Gatland's been dealt. But speak to 100 people on St Mary's Street on Saturday evening and you'll have the same number of differing views on this game. Freddie Steward was at the forefront of the tussle -- and was fantastic throughout.

Following a 20-10 victory for England over Wales in their Six Nations fixture, here's our five takeaways from the match at the Principality Stadium.

It’s still a work in progress for Gatland and Owens but this week both leaders have had their hands full with so many external foci that they can actually be proud of the way their charges turned up and played under pressure many have never come close to experiencing. Combined with the lack of breakdown threat and clearout players, the Welsh ruck was so slow one might be tempted to time it with a calendar over and above the usual stopwatch. In short, Ken Owens and his men looked physically drained at the final whistle in a game that they threw their entire emotions at but ultimately game up short. [Wales](https://www.planetrugby.com/team/wales), it closes the chapter of a week of turmoil in their national sport, a defeat to add to the contractual and structural issues that permeate through their game right now. Max Malins and Anthony Watson at the back, with Lawrence, Lewis Ludlam and Ellis Genge putting in a massive shift in carry and contact. Massive hits, absolute physicality and a committed aerial battle underpinned the fixture, with both sides perhaps bedding in their new combinations in midfield and elsewhere.

Wins in their opening two matches have boosted confidence before the clash with a fired-up France at the Stade de France.

As a 21-year-old in 1995, his out-the-back pass – the celebrated “Toonie Flip” – to send Gavin Hastings steaming through for a memorable winning try at the old Parc des Princes helped the Scots end a 26-year winless streak in the French capital. France were leading five minutes into injury time when Duhan van der Merwe finished off a remarkable 23-phase assault, despite Scotland being a man down for the final 10 minutes after Russell’s red card. They have a settled side, with Finn Russell and Richie Gray playing some of the rugby of their lives, and are bolstered by the return of two British & Irish Lions. Watson, a potent breakdown bandit, will be key to stopping France hitting their stride in attack while adding speed and ball-carrying vibrancy to Scotland’s own. The tighthead has history against Scotland. Hamish Watson, fully restored to fitness, replaces Luke Crosbie on the openside flank.

Kate, wearing a red and white dogtooth coat, watched the match with husband William.

“It was an honour to see them today. William wore a red tie in support of Wales, while Kate was wearing a red and white dogtooth Catherine Walker coat, described by her husband as “diplomatic”. It will be a tense evening.” Fantastic to meet the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust, stadium staff and all the volunteers that make the game what it is. “It’s going to be a very tense journey home. The Princess of Wales cheered England on to a victory over Wales – supported by her husband the Prince of Wales – in a Six Nations match at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

William and Kate spoke to injured players before the match and described how their children are learning the sport.

“It was an honour to see them today. It will be a tense evening.” A message on screens in the stadiums read: “Six Nations Rugby, its unions, federations and the entire rugby family continue to stand with Ukraine and strongly condemn the aggressive invasion of their country.” “It’s going to be a very tense journey home. In the official programme for the match, Gerald Davies, president of the WRU, described the “solemn time” faced by those in the game. The Prince and Princess of Wales joked about a “tense” journey home following the Six Nations Wales vs England match in Cardiff.

Everything you need to know ahead of the Six Nations clash.

It will be shown live on ITV 1 and STV 1, with coverage starting from 2:15pm. Here’s everything you need to know. France win: 1/3 [Gregor Townsend](/topic/gregor-townsend)’s side have made a sensational start to their campaign with back-to-back wins over England and Wales. Blair Kinghorn, 23. Ali Price, 23.

CARDIFF, Wales (AP) — England piled on the misery for Wales with a 20-10 victory that left the beleaguered host nursing a third straight loss to open the ...

England will rarely have had a more straightforward win in the Welsh capital, with a turbulent last couple of weeks perhaps catching up with the hosts. “We spoke about the emotion of the last two weeks. For England coach Steve Borthwick, it’s two wins from three to start his tenure as his team continued to rely on big defense, a solid kick-and-chase game and a strong set-piece — the country’s traditional strengths. “We were right in the game throughout. We want to keep building on it all. Wales’ sole try came from an intercept on halfway, with winger Louis Rees-Zammit motoring clear for the score.

Ireland coach Andy Farrell was pleased with the five points but not the performance after watching his side labour to a 34-20 victory over Italy in their ...

"It is about the performance, about the next one. "We found a way and it's nice to get the bonus-point win away from home. they were tough and resilient and in the forwards they gave us absolutely nothing. "All credit must go to Italy, it was a proper Test match, they are a proper side," Farrell said. "We let them into the game through lack of discipline at times. I don't know what it was, four or five tries that we left out there," said Farrell.

Wales have been battling all week on and off the field. They'd secured one victory on Wednesday, but this was one scrap too many as Warren Gatland remains ...

It was only on Wednesday when the game was green lit after their 10-day long tete-a-tete with the powers that be in Wales over contracts and a voice. They have had some fine days here in Cardiff; the sorts of days where the noise reverberates through your chest, you get carried away on the hymns and arias and you cannot see anything but a Welsh victory. But the new faces in the Welsh midfield in Mason Grady and Joe Hawkins are experiencing a different Principality Stadium. You'll have those who talk of how it's 0-3 for Wales in this Six Nations, and look to the grim reality of the hand Warren Gatland's been dealt. But speak to 100 people on St Mary's Street on Saturday evening and you'll have the same number of differing views on this game. Freddie Steward was at the forefront of the tussle -- and was fantastic throughout.

England player ratings live from Principality Stadium: Plenty of Steve Borthwick's charges caught the eye in a deserved Six Nations win.

Arrived with 25 minutes remaining and soon teams the scrum penalty that Farrell was unable to convert for an 18-10 lead. His energy and work rate the whole way through were admirable despite a few frustrating moments so as getting picked off near the line by Justin Tipuric. Is getting back to his disruptive best, leading his team’s tackle count and generally being a nuisance arond the field. Gave everything he had in his 65 minutes. [Owen Farrell](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/owen-farrell/) left 10 points behind him off the tee, spillage that kept the hosts alive even though their creativity seldom if ever resulted in a decent spell in the opposition’s 22. A gladiator who showed loads in his 55 minutes. The fact that he played for 73 minutes highlighted how this was his best Test yet. Needed to show more in this role than he did versus the Italians, but his kicking at times left him down. Excellent finish for his try and there was further evidence of his lovely footwork after that. Powerless to prevent the Rees-Zammit score but that and a missed 68th-minute catch couldn’t blot his report card. Here are the England player ratings: England player ratings live from Principality Stadium: Rome witnessed a humdinger of an all-frills Italy-Ireland contest but this Wales-England encounter was no less engrossing in a very different way.

William and Kate spoke to injured players before the match and described how their children are learning the sport.

“It was an honour to see them today. It will be a tense evening.” A message on screens in the stadiums read: “Six Nations Rugby, its unions, federations and the entire rugby family continue to stand with Ukraine and strongly condemn the aggressive invasion of their country.” “It’s going to be a very tense journey home. In the official programme for the match, Gerald Davies, president of the WRU, described the “solemn time” faced by those in the game. The Prince and Princess of Wales joked about a “tense” journey home following the Six Nations Wales vs England match in Cardiff.

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell was grateful his side could get the win against Italy in a “proper Test match” at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

The coach underlined how dangerous this [Italy](https://www.planetrugby.com/team/italy/) side is and is delighted to come away with a bonus point win. “Which Irish fan wouldn’t have been biting their nails when the cross-field kick (from Ignacio Brex at 27-20) went in and bounced very close. We just weren’t accurate enough in certain areas.” “We’re absolutely gutted about that result today. It was a proper Test match,” Farrell said It was a tough match.

Who will be commentating on the France v Scotland Six Nations game at Paris' Stade De France and how to watch.

This is the 24th Six Nations Championship to be contested by the national teams of England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales. [BBC](bbc.co.uk) and [ITV](itv.com) will be showing every game of the tournament between them - in fact their current Six Nations TV deal makes them the official broadcasters until 2025. For those who can’t watch from the stands, you don’t have to miss a minute of the action.

Les Bleus played out a classic in Dublin in round two, but their loss to Ireland meant their hopes of grabbing two consecutive Grand Slams were quashed.

Going into a game like this on the back of wins is a much better place to be than if you’re coming off the back of defeats. But at key moments, between the 40th and 60th minute, when we could take the score, the Irish were able to be even stronger. I think the players realise what a big test this is going to be, playing one of the best teams in the world on their home patch, at a venue we haven’t had much success (at) over the past 100 years. France head coach Fabien Galthie, on bouncing back from the defeat to Ireland: "We moved to the world number one. We have fallen, we must get up. Until the 72nd minute, we were six points (away). This result also secured Wales the 2021 Six Nations. So, able to win the match. Scotland, meanwhile, are fresh off the back of a hugely impressive performance against an under-performing Wales in Murrayfield, which came a week after their third consecutive Six Nations win over England. It’s going to be a tough challenge but we can match that challenge. It's interesting how men function in defeat." Who is the France v Scotland referee?

England boss Steve Borthwick was pleased with his side's composure after going behind early in the second period to comeback and win 20-10 in Cardiff.

You saw the speed of ball improve and we scored a really well worked try,” Borthwick said. “Getting up for an England-Wales game is not difficult. “I liked that it was an incredible Test match. “The two halves were very different, but that tells me a lot about our players. But the players adapted really well to win that pressure battle. England maintained their composure and built themselves in the game again, with Kyle Sinckler crashing over four minutes later.

Now Scotland go searching for a third win in a row, and will look to take inspiration from Finn Russell's spellbinding performance against Wales in Round 2.

Here’s everything you need to know about the game: It will be shown live on ITV 1 and STV 1, with coverage starting from 2:15pm. [Gregor Townsend](/topic/gregor-townsend)’s side have made a sensational start to their campaign with back-to-back wins over England and Wales. Scotland win: 3/1 Blair Kinghorn, 23. Ali Price, 23.

Ireland remain on track for a Grand Slam despite a patchy and unconvincing performance in a 34-20 win over Italy in Rome.

Both gave a good account of themselves. It's always going to be tested under pressure when you are playing against a good side like that." Ultimately, they dug deep to avoid a major upset. said Farrell, who spoke of his relief at winning what he labelled a "proper Test match". Byrne, the first Ireland player to appear for the warm-up, appeared to speak assertively in the pre-match huddle, and while he missed a couple of kicks, he has acquired the invaluable experience of navigating through a see-sawing championship battle from the start. "We have a good two weeks to get ready for Scotland and we have to be better." Against Fiji, Ireland were sloppy, their defence prised open by well-worked attacks. "That's still a positive for us in a way because we're three from three, top of the table, but there's still a lot more for us. While Aki scored a fine first-half try, he knocked the ball on while straining to score a second and was guilty of contributing five to Ireland's missed tackle tally of 27. Like in Rome, Ireland went into that one on the back of a huge win over a glamorous team (South Africa) with Farrell opting to make wholesale changes. But on Saturday in Rome, Italy did not look like a team who have often been looked upon as whipping boys in this championship, nor did Ireland resemble the world's best team as they rode their luck to avoid a repeat of Here, Ireland crossed five times, but the key difference was their failure to swat away a much-improved Italy while failing to convert chances of their own.

His radar has been a bit off lately, with Owen Farrell kicking for goal with limited success so far in the 2023 Six Nations, with a 47% success rate.

Will Farrell be at his sharpshooting best in Round Four, against France at Twickenham? Then in the match against Italy (remember there was a penalty try, meaning no kick is needed – a penalty try is automatically worth seven points as the referee runs under the posts) there were no penalties scored at all. He scored one penalty from his three attempts, and one conversion out of three.

Having also been run uncomfortably close by Italy in Rome on opening day, there is a sense that Les Bleus need a commanding performance here to reassert their ...

Going into a game like this on the back of wins is a much better place to be than if you’re coming off the back of defeats. “I’m really comfortable playing with him on both sides of the ball. But they face a tough test against a Scotland side high on confidence after opening their campaign with successive victories for the first time since 1996. Follow France vs Scotland in the Six Nations live below! Two of the very best! Defending champions France are back on home soil for the first time in 2023 as they look to recover quickly from a titanic loss in Dublin a fortnight ago that saw their dreams of consecutive Grand Slams firmly dashed by rampant Ireland.

France's dreams of a second consecutive Grand Slam were shattered when they came up short against Ireland in Dublin two weeks ago.The reigning champ.

The Clermont star is going to be one of France’s poster boys for the upcoming World Cup, and he will see Sunday’s game as a chance to impress in front of his home audience. Sunday’s encounter will be a tight affair, and while we fancy France to win, this handicap is a good punt. Galthié will want to keep his side focused, though, and while Scotland come into this game unbeaten, France are still favourites at 1/3 with You can bet on them winning at both half-time and full-time at 8/11 with Spreadex. While we don’t think this will happen, a Scotland +8.5 handicap is an attractive prospect at 5/6 with Spreadex. Of course, they will also need to make sure they win all of their own matches, with an in-form Scotland standing in their way this Sunday. Galthié’s men will want to stop any Scottish momentum early and will not want to make the same mistakes they made against Italy on the opening weekend. Fittingly, the French have gone unbeaten in Paris since then, winning their last nine home games and picking up memorable wins against the likes of South Africa, Ireland, and Australia. Scotland has picked up two dominant victories so far and will be hoping to make it three for three in the Stade de France. They started off with an impressive Calcutta Cup victory against England at Twickenham and built on that with a dominant win over Wales in Edinburgh. A win at the weekend would make their home tie with Ireland in two weeks essential viewing. Gregor Townsend’s men were put to the sword by France 17-36 in Edinburgh in last year’s Championship, but they will find confidence in the fact that they have beaten France in three of their last five matches, including a victory in Paris in 2021.

Follow live text updates and BBC radio commentary as Scotland travel to France in the 2023 Six Nations.

France were genuinely concerned they were going to lose that game. After a really tough start, we got back into it, had ascendancy in the second half. Losing was an unusual thing to feel and not a very pleasant one, but then we'll be planning for Twickenham. We were a lot more disciplined in our kicking game and that definitely helped us. It didn't really affect both teams' game plans that much. It was quickly levelled up. France defence coach Shaun Edwards tells ITV: "They dominated territory and possession, seemed to be attacking in our 22 for a lot of the game but that's what you expect from a top-class team. France showed their quality at the end. There's a chemistry, confidence, and trust in that midfield to read the game and find those lines. "Of course losing Hamish Watson is a blow and even when the opposition go to 14, when you've got 14, you're without Hamish, who plays at speed. "It's weird saying that when you've had two victories but a lot of our play was outstanding. FT: France 32-21 Scotland

Minute-by-minute report: A Six Nations showdown awaits in Paris. Join Daniel Gallan for all the latest news.

It was a poor pass and was never on as he went for a miracle ball to his right. It’s not a great one so Scotland have the feed to the line-out on the 22. Price fizzes it and Russell plays a flat line pass for Jones on a scything angle and he darts over under the posts. It’s only a toe that’s out, but he’s out, even though he wormed the ball on the ground. Russell stabs a grubber that puts the ball out close to the French line. He’s taking the ball flat at the line and working it for runners on the angle, which he did for Jones to score. Rather than go to their functioning maul Scotland go long on the line out. Clean ball goes down to the maul and it makes ground. Price gathers over the ball and delays just enough to find Russell on the wrap around. But Scotland hold up the ball carrier and it’s a maul. Scotland had done brilliantly to repel the French and win a penalty. There is still the title and the Triple Crown to play for, but that was a blow to lose that after playing so well and taking the game to a great French team.”

Tune into our live blog to keep up with all the updates from Sundays Round 3 Six Nations encounter between France and Scotland at the Stade de France.

Follow live updates as France meet Scotland in the final match of the Six Nations third round.

When the hosts powered over for two tries in the first ten minutes, and with Grant Gilchrist dismissed, it looked as if it might be a long afternoon for Scotland’s optimists. It would have been nice to get another one to win the game.” Scotland adjusted well on the fly to counter France’s power, recognising that Nika Amashukeli was allowing a contest at the breakdown and muddying French ball to stall the hosts. “After a really tough start, we got ourselves back into it. “We felt like we could win that,” the two-try centre reflects. I thought we had that... Finn Russell produced some moments of magic in familiar fashion, but it just wasn’t quite enough. The France defence coach says to ITV: “They dominated territory, they dominated possession, but that is what you expect from a top class team. Just to slightly correct Shaun Edwards, France have not beaten England away from home in the Six Nations since 2005, but did claim a World Cup warm-up win at Twickenham in 2007. “We’ll have a beer, it’s been a tough couple of weeks. Gael Fickou, for me, is a world-class player in hot form at the moment. The Six Nations resumes in a little less than two weeks.