The 2022 Guinness Six Nations is approaching the midway point and with Round 3 almost upon us, the focus later this week will be on the all-important team announcements.
Wales got their first victory of the Championship against Scotland in Round 2, with Dan Biggar’s 70th-minute drop goal the difference in a 20-17 win at Principality Stadium.
That was followed by an enthralling battle in Paris, where France held off an Ireland fightback to win 30-24 and become the only team to win their opening two matches.
The weekend concluded in Rome as fly-half Marcus Smith inspired England to a comprehensive 33-0 triumph over Italy.
Round 3 sees England and Wales meet at Twickenham, while Scotland host France and Ireland take on Italy at the Aviva Stadium.
With so much on the line, Thursday and Friday will be vital as the teams name their matchday squads. Find out all the key details below.
THURSDAY
France will be the first to name their side, with the squad for the Scotland trip due to be announced on Thursday at 10am.
Les Bleus are missing wing Gabin Villière, the Championship’s top try-scorer, due to a fractured sinus. His absence is eased by the return of Jonathan Danty after the centre missed the Ireland victory with an ankle injury.
Fabien Galthié could replace Villière with Danty and reshuffle the backline, or draft in another wing as a more like-for-like replacement.
Scotland will reveal their team at 1pm as Gregor Townsend’s men look to end France’s Grand Slam ambitions – and secure a third consecutive Championship win over Les Bleus.
One certain omission is prop Rory Sutherland, who is set to miss the rest of the Championship with rib and shoulder injuries.
Meanwhile, England got their first win of the Championship in Round 2 and will name their team for the visit of Wales on Thursday at 11.30am.
They will be bolstered by the return of forward Courtney Lawes, who is primed to captain the side after missing the first two rounds as he went through return-to-play protocols for a head injury.
Centre Manu Tuilagi could also feature for the first time this Championship, having recovered from a hamstring problem.
Head coach Eddie Jones also has a big decision to make at scrum-half. Harry Randall, 24, impressed in Rome but the experience of the 114-capped Ben Youngs is a tempting alternative in a fixture that perennially produces tight, physical contests.
Opponents Wales travel to London in buoyant spirits after their win over Scotland.
Wayne Pivac will name his team to play England on Thursday at 12pm, and there are a few issues to monitor.
Following their opening day defeat in Ireland, Jac Morgan, Ross Moriarty, Owen Watkin and Alex Cuthbert came into the XV against Scotland and made good cases to retain their starting spots.
More concerningly for Pivac, captain Biggar limped off with a dead leg against Scotland and sat out of his club Northampton Saints’ game at the weekend.
Outside back Josh Adams could return after missing Round 2 with a calf strain, while centre Willis Halaholo faces a battle to be fit after suffering a lacerated eyelid in training.
Taulupe Faletau also impressed once again for Bath Rugby at the weekend and could be in line for a recall.
FRIDAY
Ireland were valiant in defeat to France in Round 2, battling back from a 22-7 deficit to give their much-fancied hosts a fright.
They did so without captain Johnny Sexton, who is set to return after missing that match with a hamstring strain.
The talismanic fly-half is expected to be named in Ireland’s squad to face Italy, which will be announced on Friday at 11am. Sexton is not certain to start, as Joey Carbery deputised admirably against France and could retain the No.10 jersey.
Andy Farrell may use the Italy match for rotation and experimentation ahead of key games against England and Scotland. However, hooker Rónan Kelleher suffered a shoulder injury at the Stade de France and is out for the entire campaign.
His absence offers Dan Sheehan, who impressed as a replacement in Round 2, the chance of an extended run as a starter.
Italy will also announce their team on Friday, with Kieran Crowley to confirm his selection at 2pm. The Azzurri could face issues in the loose forwards after Toa Halafihi and Sebastian Negri both went off injured against England.
