The wait for Round 3 of the 2020 Women’s Six Nations is almost over as all the nations prepare for another crucial weekend of matches.
After kicking off with two intense weeks of international rugby, players were then given time to take stock and recover.
But 13 days after England’s bumper away win over Scotland, the Championship will return on Sunday and there are three thrilling fixtures to look forward to.
Round 3 begins in Cardiff where Wales will be aiming to kick-start their campaign after back-to-back defeats.
Wales led 10-5 at half-time against Italy only to lose 19-15 on the opening weekend and were then beaten 31-12 by Ireland at Energia Park.
They have shown glimpses of their attacking qualities but will need to be firing on all cylinders when they lock horns with France.
Annick Hayraud’s side, on the other hand, have demonstrated their ruthless edge, defeating Italy 45-10 in Round 2.
That big victory will fill France with further confidence after pushing Grand Slam holders England all the way in a 19-13 loss six days earlier.
France sit in third position – the same place they finished last year – and will be bidding to get themselves into the top two.
Last year, France proved too strong for Wales, running out 52-3 winners but they will be expecting a backlash from their opponents.
With both sides winning their opening two matches, this is set to be a mouth-watering showdown and may go some way to deciding the title.
England will be feeling in confident mood after Emily Scarratt’s decisive try saw them win in France before the Red Roses put eight tries past Scotland at BT Murrayfield.
It will be Simon Middleton’s side’s first match on home soil as they head to Doncaster’s Castle Park and will look to put on a show.
But with only a greater points difference keeping England above Ireland head coach Middleton and his players will be wary of the in-form visitors.
Last year Ireland lost four of their five matches including a 51-7 defeat to the Red Roses in Donnybrook.
But they have come on in leaps and bounds since then as they kicked off the Championship with a 18-14 win over Scotland before seeing off Wales.
Teenage sensation Beibhinn Parsons scored in both of those matches and will be hoping to continue her run against the defending champions.
Andrea Di Giandomenico’s side were the surprise package last year, finishing in second place and they got their campaign off to a fine start, defeating Wales in Cardiff.
But they were unable to back that up as they fell to a disappointing defeat to France in the second round.
Le Azzurre now return to Italy where they will hope to make home advantage count against winless Scotland.
They will also have good memories of this encounter having beaten Philip Doyle’s team 28-7 at Scotstoun Stadium last year.
But head coach Doyle believes his side are making progress and is determined to see them register their first Championship win since they got the better of Ireland in 2018.
Scotland currently prop up the table after losing to Ireland and England, but these defeats will only add further fuel as they bid to stun Italy on Sunday.
