The Guinness Six Nations got off to a thrilling start in Round 1 and attentions now turn to the coming weekend, with some teams looking to build on perfect starts and others hoping to bounce back.
As ever, all eyes will be on the team announcements as they roll in over the course of the week.
Will the weekend’s three victorious coaches – Fabien Galthie, Gregor Townsend and Wayne Pivac – stick to the mantra of not changing a winning team, or could injuries force their hand? And will those who were beaten opt to stick or twist?
Round 2 kicks off with two sides seeking their first wins of the Championship as England welcome Italy to Twickenham on Saturday.
That is followed by Scotland and Wales doing battle at BT Murrayfield as they bid to make it two wins from two.
And in a Sunday afternoon treat, France go in search of a first win in Dublin since 2011 as they head to Ireland, themselves hunting for a victory after being edged out by Wales in Round 1.
Training will be intense across all six camps this week as players make their cases for selection – here’s when we will find out who has made it in.
ENGLAND – THURSDAY, 11AM
England are first out the blocks, with Eddie Jones set to name his matchday squad to take on Italy at the customary time of 11am on Thursday.
Jones has options to refresh his front row, with Kyle Sinckler back from suspension and Mako Vunipola having recovered from a calf injury.
The Australian rued a lack of possession for his side in their Calcutta Cup defeat on Saturday and will hope to see more of his talented backline with ball in hand this weekend.
WALES – THURSDAY, 12PM
Wayne Pivac’s side picked up a morale-boosting 21-16 victory over Ireland on the opening weekend and will reveal their squad for the trip to Edinburgh at lunchtime on Thursday.
Changes will be necessary, with four of Sunday’s starting XV out of contention. Johnny Williams and Hallam Amos failed head injury assessments and will undergo the concussion return to play protocols, while Dan Lydiate’s international comeback was ended prematurely by a knee injury and Tomos Williams pulled his hamstring.
The return of Liam Williams following suspension is therefore well-timed, while Pivac may opt to dip into the regions for reinforcements to his squad.
SCOTLAND – THURSDAY 12PM
Fresh from masterminding one of his country’s best ever results in the Championship, Gregor Townsend will hope for more of the same from his side as they welcome Wales.
The Scotland head coach will also name his matchday squad on Thursday lunchtime and it would be a surprise to see too many changes from the side which won 11-6 at Twickenham on Saturday.
Three players – Edinburgh’s Charlie Shiel and George Taylor, along with Glasgow Warriors’ D’Arcy Rae – have been called into the training squad this week, with four released back to their clubs.
IRELAND – THURSDAY, 12.30PM
Though naturally disappointed by the defeat, Ireland head coach Andy Farrell was able to take plenty of positives from his side’s performances against Wales – not least their determination to get back into the game following Peter O’Mahony’s early red card.
O’Mahony could find himself suspended for the visit of France while further updates are awaited on the fitness of Johnny Sexton and James Ryan, who were substituted after knocks to the head.
Farrell will name his squad on Thursday at about 12.30pm and those selected will be eager to get a win on the board against an in-form French outfit.
ITALY – THURSDAY, 3PM
Franco Smith opted to place his trust in youth for Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations opener against France and it was a tough afternoon for his side, who went down 50-10 in Rome.
But the 48-year-old believes his inexperienced side will learn quickly and having identified those who he wants to carry his side forward, it would seem likely he will keep faith with his promising young guns.
20-year-old Paolo Garbisi will relish the big stage at Twickenham and wings Luca Sperandio and Monty Ioane looked dangerous against France, the former crossing for a fine try while the latter saw an equally neat effort ruled out for a forward pass in the build-up.
FRANCE – FRIDAY, 12PM
After five team announcements on Thursday, France are the final team to reveal their selection and will do so on Friday at 12pm.
A dazzling display in Rome got Fabien Galthie’s men off to a flyer in Round 1 and the backline, in particular, will hope for another chance to impress against Ireland.
Last year’s Player of the Championship, Antoine Dupont, picked up where he left off with a try and four assists while the clinical Teddy Thomas crossed twice as France laid down a marker.
