KEY POINTS:
SCOTLAND v IRELAND
Edinburgh, tomorrow 2.20am
Ireland are seeking a seventh straight win over the Scots and with it a third triple crown in four years.
It is the all-round strength of Ireland that will worry Scotland.
Quite apart from a backline that exudes quality, Ireland possess a
forward pack that can mix it with the best and in Paul O'Connell have a true world stage performer.
Another key forward for Ireland is flanker David Wallace, whose running and support game has made him into one of the best opensiders in the home unions.
If, as forecasted, it is wet at Murrayfield, then the boot of Ronan O'Gara will be a main weapon. But the expectation is that Ireland will also try to run the ball in midfield through Brian O'Driscoll and Gordon D'Arcy.
And the likelihood is that at the end of 80 minutes Ireland will be celebrating a triple crown success and praying for an England win over France to give them the chance to win the championship.
ITALY v WALES
Rome, tomorrow 4.25am
Italy can make history by notching a second win in this season's championship.
Their 37-17 victory over Scotland in the last round of matches - their first away win in the competition - raised expectations that they could beat the Welsh, who come into the game after losses to Ireland, Scotland and France.
Italian coach Pierre Berbizier has carefully tried to diffuse the high expectations surrounding his team.
"We must be careful not to approach [the] game with too much euphoria," he said.
"Wales will be coming to Rome to win the game but we will battle them all the way in an attempt to get the two points and continue our positive exploits in this Six Nations."
Wales coach Gareth Jenkins has made just one change to the side who started against France, with fullback Kevin Morgan back after recovering from a fractured jaw he suffered against Scotland.
ENGLAND v FRANCE
London, Monday 3.55am
It looks like a mismatch as a side described by their own coach as "second division" take on the hot favourites for a Grand Slam, but England against France remains the defining fixture of the championship.
A fourth consecutive victory over England would put them on the cusp of a fifth Grand Slam in 10 years, with only a home game against Scotland then standing in the way.
"This is going to be the hardest match of the year, at least of the Six Nations," coach Bernard Laporte said.
"There are new players ... they are certainly better than those from before who didn't win."
England coach Brian Ashton's changes are the result of desperation and only three players retain their starting positions from the thrashing against Ireland.
He goes in without Jonny Wilkinson and captain Phil Vickery, leading to the recall of 35-year-old Mike Catt to lead the side.
- REUTERS
