The Women’s Six Nations pool stage comes to a close with a mouth-watering double header on Saturday, with Sara Cox and Nikki O’Donnell set to call the shots at the centre of all the action.
The first clash of the day sees France travel to Ireland in a Pool B winner-takes-all-tie, with both sides able to book a spot in the Championship showpiece on Super Saturday with a win, having overcome Wales so far.
Adam Griggs’ Ireland will be eager to build on the momentum gained by their 45-0 win at Cardiff Arms Park in Round 2, but will be no doubt wary of the threats posed by Les Bleues, who won the Grand Slam in 2018.
English referee Cox will be in charge for the 2:15pm kick-off at Donnybrook, supported by assistants Hollie Davidson and Katherine Ritchie. Claire Hodnett will be keeping an eye on the TV from the TMO booth.
With defending champions England having already earned their place in the final, second place in Pool A and a subsequent spot in the 3rd/4th play-off is at stake as Scotland host Italy at 5pm.
Bryan Easson’s Scotland sat out Round 2 after their opening-week 52-10 defeat at the hands of the Red Roses, and they will be eager to get off the mark against the Azzurre who were themselves beaten 67-3 by England last time out.
O’Donnell – who oversaw France’s 53-0 win over Wales in Round 1 – will preside over the action at Scotstoun.
She will be supported by French assistants Aurélie Groizeleau and Doriane Domenjo, while Ian Tempest is in the TMO’s chair.
Ireland v France – Saturday 17 April, 2021. Kick-off 14:15
Venue: Energia Park, Donnybrook, Dublin
Referee: Sara Cox (RFU) Assistant Referee 1: Hollie Davidson (SRU) Assistant Referee 2: Katherine Ritchie (RFU) TMO: Claire Hodnett (RFU)
Scotland v Italy – Saturday 17 April, 2021. Kick-off 17:00
Venue: Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow
Referee: Nikki O’Donnell (RFU) Assistant Referee 1: Aurélie Groizeleau (FFR) Assistant Referee 2: Doriane Domenjo (FFR) TMO: Ian Tempest (RFU)
