Ireland (5th) v Italy (3rd), Saturday 14 February 

Kick-off: 2.10pm

Venue: Aviva Stadium

TV: Virgin Media One (coverage starts at 1.30pm), ITV (coverage starts at 1pm)

Both teams come into this game in contrasting moods after their opening round clashes. Andy Farrell’s injury-ravaged side suffered a chastening defeat to reigning champions France while Italy triumphed in the rain after a mighty battle with Scotland.

That result gives them considerable momentum for their trip to Dublin, although Italy head coach Gonzalo Quesada is without star centre Nacho Brex due to family reasons, while Saturday’s game comes a little too soon for Ange Capuozzo on his return from injury.

Andy Farrell has made no fewer than six changes to his starting XV, with Cormac Izuchukwu and Robert Baloucoune both set to make their Six Nations debuts, while James Ryan, Jack Conan, Craig Casey and James Lowe also start.

A huge performance is required in front of a home crowd if Ireland are to get their campaign off the mark.

Scotland (4th) v England (1st), Saturday 14 February

Kick-off: 4.40pm

Venue: Murrayfield

TV: Virgin Media One (coverage starts at 3.50pm), ITV (coverage starts at 4.10pm)

Another meeting of nations in different emotional states. Scotland’s defeat to Italy has resulted in renewed speculation about the future of head coach Gregor Townsend, but the 52-year-old has assuredly dismissed any suggestions that he might step down, and is confident that he will remain in his position with the Scots.

England were expected to start their Six Nations with an easy win over Wales, and they fulfilled the hype with seven tries to register their 12th successive Test win. Henry Arundell emerged as arguably the star of the weekend as he celebrated his first Test start since the 2023 World Cup with three first-half tries.

Captain Maro Itoje is back in the starting team to face Scotland. He came in off the bench against Wales after missing the start of England’s preparations for the tournament to attend his mother’s funeral in Nigeria.

Wales (6th) v France (2nd), Sunday 15 February 

Kick-off: 3.10pm

Venue: Principality Stadium

TV: RTÉ 2 (Coverage starts at 2.30pm), BBC One (Coverage starts at 2.30pm)

Wales endured a punishing start to their campaign with a 41-point defeat to England, and it’s about to get even more difficult this weekend when France come to Cardiff. In the first half last weekend, Wales conceded 10 penalties in 21 minutes while front rows Nicky Smith and Dewi Lake were sent to the sin-bin.

That result brings them to 12 consecutive Six Nations defeats since 2023, a stark reminder of their ongoing struggles.

For France, their title defence is already looking good after that masterful display against Ireland.

Their captain Antoine Dupont said it was “very surprising” for them to be leading 29-0 just after half-time, but in truth, France utterly bossed the game throughout and finished the evening with a 22-point win.

With Dupont’s ACL injury fully behind him, Fabien Galthié’s side will be heavily backed to go one better and sign off with a Grand Slam success this year.

They will be expecting to add another bonus-point victory this weekend to strengthen their chances of getting that reward.