We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Jack Conan carrying the ball against France in last year's Six Nations. Ben Brady/INPHO

Where and when to watch Ireland v France and the rest of this weekend’s Six Nations action

Here’s all you need to know to plan your viewing schedule this weekend.

Ireland (1st) v France (2nd), Saturday 8 March

Kick-off time: 2.15pm

Venue: Aviva Stadium

TV Details: RTÉ 2, coverage starts at 1.15pm; ITV, coverage starts at 1.25pm

Ireland won’t win the Grand Slam this weekend but they could definitely lose it as the French come to town. Still undefeated after three games, Simon Easterby makes a few selection changes. Mack Hansen has been ruled out with a quad injury and has been replaced by Jamie Osborne. Hooker Rónan Kelleher has also been ruled out while Tadhg Furlong is still not fit to make a return. Garry Ringrose is unavailable due to suspension, but on the plus side, captain Caelan Doris has been passed fit to start.

France head coach Fabien Galthié has gone with a 7/1 bench split as they look to overtake Ireland, leaving Bordeaux-Begles scrum-half Maxime Lucu as the only replacement back. Number eight Gregory Aldritt had an injury scare earlier this week with a groin issue but has been passed fit to start. France will also be boosted by the return of Romain Ntamack from a two-game ban.

****

Scotland (4th) v Wales (6th), Saturday 8 March

Kick-off time: 4.45pm

Venue: Murrayfield

TV Details: Virgin Media One, coverage starts at 4.15pm; BBC One, coverage starts at 4pm

After giving Ireland a mighty scare, Wales travel to Edinburgh this weekend still looking for their first win of the tournament. Matt Sherratt is going with an unchanged team for the trip, making this the first time since the 2019 World Cup that Wales have fielded the same XV in consecutive games.

Darcy Graham returns to the Scotland starting 15 after recovering from a concussion injury against Ireland which forced him to miss the England game. Gregor Townsend reverts to a 5-3 bench after using a 6-2 split against England where Finn Russell’s poor shooting proved costly.

****

England (3rd) v Italy (5th), Sunday 9 March

Kick-off time: 3pm

Venue: Twickenham

TV Details: RTÉ, coverage starts at 2.30pm; ITV, coverage starts at 2.15pm

England aren’t out of the Six Nations race yet. A narrow win over Scotland keeps them in touch with Ireland and France but there’s been a big selection call for Italy’s visit as Marcus Smith has been dropped as part of a big shake up by Steve Borthwick. Elliot Daly comes in at full-back, Fin Smith takes up the 10 position, and Henry Slade has been cut from the match-day 23.

For Italy, a well-earned win over Wales was sandwiched between defeats against Scotland and France. However, they did muster a big fightback against the Scots and will need to channel that energy again for their visit to Twickenham.

Close
Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel