Billy’s bonus for England
The significance of Billy Vunipola’s return for England cannot be overstated. Not only does he lift those around him, he also brings formidable carrying that Eddie Jones’s side lacked in the early stages of the competition. As the Championship has worn on, however, Maro Itoje has grown into his role at blindside flanker and Courtney Lawes now finds himself in his best ever international form. Itoje and Lawes swap at scrum time and so you could argue Lawes is effectively playing at No6, regardless of the number on his back. His carrying was relentless against Scotland and while England are no doubt boosted by Vunipola’s return, and it makes clear sense for Eddie Jones to select him, the head coach will be all the more pleased with how England have made up for his absence. His selection is a bonus but it is because he is ready rather than being rushed.
• England and Jones maintain focus as Dublin date with destiny beckons
• Buoyant England are not yet ready to win World Cup, warns Eddie Jones
France’s big issues
To describe the impending merger of Stade Français and Racing 92 as a headache is to trivialise such a historic occurrence, but it is clear nonetheless that Guy Novès could have done without it. Members of his squad even left their Marcoussis training base to return to Stade and join in the protests. It is unwelcome for Novès because France’s match against Wales is hugely significant for the head coach. Victory could mean that France finish second – the first time since 2011 that they have come in the top two – and while the away defeats against England and Ireland were difficult to stomach, that would keep the wolves from Novès’s door for the time being.
• Old foes form uneasy alliance in attempt to make France less predictable again
Ireland’s injury woes
Just as England’s injury problems have cleared up, so Ireland’s have worsened. Conor Murray’s absence is an enormous blow for Joe Schmidt, regardless of how much Kieran Marmion has impressed for Connacht. Murray was sorely missed against Wales in the second half, he has an unerring habit of raising his standards for the grandest occasions, and there is now increased onus on Johnny Sexton. Murray is a supreme box-kicker and without him Ireland’s chances of dominating the aerial battle are significantly diminished. As Schmidt put it: “You lose his experience, 50-plus caps, you lose his calm. He’s incredibly calm on the pitch. He’s a good foil for other players who are under pressure, because he very seldom looks like he’s under pressure.”
• Ireland without injured Conor Murray for Six Nations finale with England
• Brian Ashton: ‘We were blown away by the fervour of the Irish. We weren’t ready’
Italy’s time running out?
You wouldn’t exactly say the Six Nations door has opened for Georgia, but according to World Rugby’s latest revision of the global calendar they will at least benefit from more regular contact with tier one nations in between World Cups from 2020, and should Italy be resoundingly beaten by Scotland it will be another whitewash for the Azzurri. They have provided arguably the biggest talking point in the competition to date and that is to their credit, but the competitive nature among the teams that will finish in places two to five only serves to highlight how far Italy are off the pace. Their opponents on Saturday should provide an example of how to get the domestic structure right at least – Italy’s players have become worryingly used to losing, so it may be an idea to concentrate the best talent at one of their two franchises.
• World Rugby’s international calendar from 2020 boosts Georgia and co
Scotland lick wounds
Vern Cotter has banned all talk of farewells, and while his legacy as the only Scotland coach in the professional era to achieve a win percentage higher than 50 is secure, much rides on his swansong. Beat Italy and do so handsomely and Scotland may yet finish second. Defeat by an Italy side who will be desperate to avoid another Championship whitewash and it will be a sour note to finish on. Gregor Townsend, who replaces Cotter in the summer, was shown the size of his task last weekend. Until Scotland can match the physicality of England’s forwards they will not be able to compete with the very best, but they should not encounter those kind of problems on Saturday. With Stuart Hogg and Tommy Seymour both recovered from head injuries, Scotland look set to finish with a flourish.
• Gregor Townsend will need to address Scotland’s lack of physicality
Wales on the up?
Another unchanged lineup for Wales, another of the sides in the hunt for a second-place finish in the Championship. There is a bit more optimism, or at least relief, in Wales after their defensive heroics to defeat Ireland, and that performance will of course have registered with Warren Gatland. Sam Warburton may have said this week that the Wales players are not thinking about the Lions, but many in the squad have put themselves back in the frame. Jonathan Davies, Leigh Halfpenny, George North, Rhys Webb – they were perhaps all likely to make the Lions squad anyway, but further strong showings in Paris and they will be knocking on the door of the starting XV.
• Will Warren Gatland’s pragmatic tactics suit the Lions’ England core?
Red Roses eye Six Nations title
It is five years and counting since England Women last won the Six Nations title, having taken it for seven straight years up until 2012. They have come close – last year they were denied the grand slam and the title by France – but surely their trip to Ireland represents their best chance to get their hands back on the trophy. Buoyed by the reintegration of their Sevens players and the awarding of professional contracts, England have swatted aside all comers this year. And should the Under-20s claim victory before them on Friday evening and Simon Middleton’s side follow suit, it will be up to their male counterparts to rubber-stamp a historic treble grand slam.
• England’s Kay Wilson scores magnificent seven to crush Scotland
• England’s men, women and under-20s chase trio of Six Nations grand slams
