The short side: Celtic clash and the master v apprentice

Colin Newboult

The short side returns to Planet Rugby as we study the main talking points ahead of this weekend’s action in Round Four of the Six Nations.

Six Nations game to watch – Scotland v Wales

Ireland’s encounter against France is perhaps the most enticing on paper but realistically Joe Schmidt’s men are outsiders for the title, while successive defeats for Les Bleus ruled them out of contention. That leaves Wales’ game against Scotland at Murrayfield as the most intriguing contest of the weekend, with Warren Gatland’s outfit still in contention for a Grand Slam. Following their impressive victory over England, the 2012 and ’13 title winners are in an excellent position and will go into the contest as clear favourites, but Gregor Townsend has been boosted by the return of some key players and they should improve from their disappointing performance against France.

Team to watch – France

Can Les Bleus build on their display from Round Three or will standards once again slip, leading to the boring but inevitable stereotype of ‘which France side will turn up?’ To their credit, Jacques Brunel’s men were excellent against Scotland and looked transformed from the team that were rudderless in their 44-8 defeat at Twickenham, but this is another step up for the side. Although Ireland have been poor by their high standards in this year’s championship, the criticism may spur them on in the final two encounters. However, should the visitors’ young players show their talent once again, it will be another positive step on the road to the World Cup for the French.

Player to watch – Brad Shields (England)

The Wasps player’s selection is surely not on form, with the flanker arguably the most disappointing signing in the Premiership this season, but Eddie Jones continues to place his trust in the former Hurricanes man. Shields has also been poor for the Red Rose and his displays at Test level have been nondescript, so it is about time the New Zealand-born back-row showed his ability on the biggest stage. You don’t come close to All Blacks selection without being an excellent player and no doubt the England supporters will want to see why Jones has included him in the XV over other in-form alternatives.

One-v-one battle to watch – Johnny Sexton (Ireland) v Romain Ntamack (France)

After a fine performance at fly-half in Round Three, Ntamack will face a tougher challenge when he starts against Ireland in Dublin. The Toulouse playmaker was given an easy ride in their previous encounter, with the French forwards continuously getting over the gainline, but he’s unlike to get the same luxury on Sunday. Despite struggling in the opening rounds, Ireland are masters at the breakdown and the visitors will have to deal slower ball. How the French pivot adapts is key, especially against someone as experienced as Sexton.

It has been a disappointing tournament for the Leinster man so far and he showed his frustration after being substituted in Rome. Neither him nor star scrum-half Conor Murray have hit their stride and Sexton has started to take it out on his team-mates, as evidenced by his attitude in Rome.

Subplot of the weekend – How much game time for Dan Robson this week?

It is just bemusing that Jones refuses to give the Wasps scrum-half more game time with the World Cup not far off. With the match already won at half-time in Round Two against France, Robson got a mere 11 minutes, while he didn’t appear at all in Wales, despite them needing fresh impetus in the second period. Moving onto Italy and this would have been the ideal time to give the 26-year-old a chance in the XV but once again he remains on the bench, so how long will he be given on Saturday? For England’s prospects going into the World Cup, the likes of Robson need the experience if they are to be successful in Japan.

Best of the rest

It is not just about the Six Nations in the northern hemisphere, although that is where most of the attention will be, with the Premiership continuing this weekend. It starts on Friday with a couple of interesting games, where Bath take on defending champions Saracens and Sale Sharks face Leicester Tigers looking to improve their play-off prospects. On Saturday, it is mainly about the battle for survival with Newcastle Falcons, Bristol and Worcester all in action, while Sunday sees Harlequins and Gloucester do battle in a top-four duel.