Key clashes from Scotland v Wales and France v Ireland

Ahead of Scotland v Wales and France v Ireland this weekend, here’s an individual head-to-head for each of those Six Nations meetings.

Hamish Watson (Scotland) v Justin Tipuric (Wales)

Hamish Watson

In the year of a British and Irish Lions tour, the Edinburgh flanker could not have started it by making a stronger selection claim than he did during Scotland’s Calcutta Cup victory over England – their first at Twickenham since 1983. Workaholic Watson was everywhere, excelling at the breakdown, hitting tackle after tackle and also making his fair share of metres. A total nuisance for any opposition with his all-action style, and a player that excels on the big stage.

Justin Tipuric

Has been a key part of Wales’ armoury for the best part of 10 years. Made his Test debut aged just 22, and despite often finding himself facing fierce back-row competition at international level with Wales, he has delivered one world-class performance after another. A master operator at the all-important breakdown area, his work there has repeatedly put Wales on the front foot, while his tackle-count is rarely short of spectacular and his ball-handling and footwork mean he would not be out of place in the back division. Outstanding player.

Antoine Dupont (France) v Conor Murray (Ireland)

Antoine Dupont

Diminutive in stature, quick-thinking Dupont is capable of a moment of magic every time he touches the ball. The classy 24-year-old is arguably the sport’s leading number nine and, based on current form, considered in some quarters to be the best player on the planet. He became the first French winner of the Six Nations Player of the Championship in 2020 and his eye-catching performances continued in Saturday’s thumping win in Rome. The creative Toulouse man possesses electric line-breaking abilities, accurate kicking skills, supreme self-confidence and should remain a focal point for Les Bleus for many years to come.

Conor Murray

A veteran of three World Cups, two British and Irish Lions tours and a trio of Six Nations titles, Murray’s career is at a far more advanced stage than that of Dupont. The evergreen Munster man has been a permanent fixture for Ireland for almost a decade as part of a long-standing half-back partnership with skipper Johnny Sexton, and has consistently delivered. He is a calming presence for his country, a pinpoint kicker and among the world’s best passers. While Murray offers numerous areas of expertise, it is perhaps quick, decisive thinking which sets him apart from other scrum-halves.