After an entertaining start to the Guinness Six Nations, the Championship continues at speed this weekend.
The opening round of fixtures saw Wales, Ireland and France set the early standards with wins which will leave Scotland, England and Italy needing to kickstart their campaigns in Round 2.
With a Calcutta Cup clash and a heavyweight meeting between Ireland and Wales in Dublin on the cards, there is more than enough to get excited about this weekend.
Former Scotland captain John Barclay gives his thoughts on the upcoming action below.
Ireland v Wales (Saturday, 2.15pm – Aviva Stadium)
The Ireland v Wales game is always a full on physical one and I think we’ll see what this Wales team is made of after they beat Italy with ease.
Ireland will be looking to play better as well after they were pushed close by Scotland. It is never easy in the Guinness Six Nations, it is always a physical and mental test and this will be no different.
Even though it is in Ireland, I would be backing Wales to win and they have a relentless defence which I think will be the difference.
Whoever wins the physical battle could come out on top and winning two from two would set both sides up so well going into the break.
Scotland v England (Saturday, 4.45pm – BT Murrayfield)
I have never shied away from the size of this game and I think sporting rivalry is a great thing which you should embrace and thrive on.
These games are awesome, especially when they are played at BT Murrayfield and it will capture the imagination of anyone watching. The crowd will be up for it and it is the biggest week in the Scottish rugby calendar.
You have to approach it knowing it will be an intense Test match and at the same time treat it as much like any other game as you can.
I hope there is some emotion and some niggle. Both teams need to win, and I want it to be highly charged with an unbelievable atmosphere at BT Murrayfield.
France v Italy (Sunday, 3pm (GMT) – Stade de France)
I don’t like to stereotype but, when the French get on a roll, they are a very dangerous side. They have a chance to do that now.
It was only one win against England and they are not the finished article. The manner of the victory means I fear for Italy and I think this French side are dark horses to go and win the Guinness Six Nations.
The coaching staff need to keep their feet on the ground and make it clear how big an opportunity this is for a young side.
For Italy, the only way is up after the big loss to Wales in the first game. I think the first thing they need to do is focus on improving their defence. From there you can build a performance and then look at getting results from Test matches.
