Ireland (3rd) v Wales (6th), Friday 6 March

Kick-off: 8.10pm

Venue: Aviva Stadium

TV: RTÉ 2 (coverage starts at 7pm), ITV (coverage starts at 7.20pm)

Ireland’s tournament is firmly back on track as they return to action this Friday with back-to-back Triple Crowns in their sights. Andy Farrell’s side will be powered by that brilliant five-try display in Twickenham as they prepare to host a Wales side who are still trying to find their way.

The performances of Jamison Gibson-Park, Stuart McCloskey and Robert Baloucoune were among the highlights in that emphatic win over England, although the loss of James Lowe adds to an already substantial list of injuries.

Wales remain on a winless run but showed great spirit in their defeat to Scotland. They held a 17-5 lead at half-time, and were 15 points up in the second half, before Scotland’s George Turner went over for the match-winning try in the 75th minute.

They’ve suffered further blows through the loss of Taine Plumtree and Sam Costelow to injury ahead of this weekend, and head coach Steve Tandy will be looking for his side to dig deep again.

Scotland (2nd) v France (1st), Saturday 7 March

Kick-off: 2.10pm

Venue: Murrayfield

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

Scotland also remain on course for a Triple Crown this year after that comeback win over Wales. Like Ireland, they also enjoyed a big win over England, and now they will hope to bring a major challenge to Grand Slam chasers France.

Should Gregor Townsend’s side upset the odds and get a win, they could be heading for the final round against Ireland fighting for a first-ever Six Nations title.

France, however, are in rampant form with a maximum 15 points so far from their three successful outings. Bordeaux Bègles star Louis Bielle-Biarrey remains in electric form, and set a new record in their win over Italy with a try in his eighth consecutive Six Nations match.

Italy (5th) v England (4th), Saturday 7 March

Kick-off: 4.40pm

Venue: Stadio Olimpico

TV: Virgin Media One (coverage starts at 4.25pm), ITV (coverage starts at 3.35pm)

The 33-8 scoreline in that defeat to France was a harsh reflection of Italy’s effort two weeks ago. They could have had more on the scoreboard were it not for some issues at lineout time.

But Gonzalo Quesada’s team have impressed otherwise in the competition and will be feeling confident ahead of England’s visit to Rome.

Steve Borthwick’s outfit have been malfunctioning lately. After opening their tournament with a commanding victory over Wales, they stumbled through back-to-back losses against Scotland and Ireland. That effectively rules them out of championship contention and removes them from the Triple Crown race.

They’ve also lost scrum-half Alex Mitchell, who will miss the rest of the Six Nations due to a hamstring injury. Their travelling supporters will expect a response this weekend as Fin Smith takes over the out-half duties from George Ford, but Italy will not be easy opponents to unpick.