Rugby Union Today: Six Nations build up
England's Mark Wilson and Max Malins during a training session at The Lensbury Hotel, Teddington. Picture date: Wednesday February 10, 2021.
Another busy day in the rugby union game as England and France named their teams for Saturday’s Six Nations match at Twickenham on Saturday.
What’s on the site
Elliot Daly has been dropped from the England team to face France, with Max Malins taking his place in the XV. There is also a position for Charlie Ewels, who starts instead of Jonny Hill.
For Les Bleus, Virimi Vakatawa has returned from injury and is one of four changes to the starting line-up for the encounter. Teddy Thomas takes Gabin Villiere’s place on the wing, while Romain Taofifenua and Dylan Cretin come in for Bernard le Roux and Anthony Jelonch respectively.
Elsewhere, there is also plenty of domestic action and we have delved into the main topics in the Premiership and PRO14 in ‘The short side.’
There is a similar feature for Super Rugby, which looks at the big Australian clash between the Brumbies and Reds, and the individual duel between All Black back three players Will Jordan and Damian McKenzie.
What’s in the news
There is a significant development for rugby in the northern hemisphere after the Six Nations confirmed that they have signed a £365m deal with private equity firm CVC.
Meanwhile, Joey Carbery will make his first start for Munster in over a year after being named in the line-up to take on the Scarlets on Friday. In the Premiership, Bristol take on Wasps where Nathan Hughes will go up against his former club.
Finally, Exeter Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter believes that Sam Simmonds deserves to be selected for the British and Irish Lions, despite failing to get into England’s squad.
What’s on social media
A cross-code legend retires. What a career Sonny Bill had!
https://twitter.com/SonnyBWilliams/status/1369833539974225921
What’s on TV
The Six Nations returns this weekend and Round Four kicks off on Saturday with Italy v Wales on ITV Sport and S4C before England host France on ITV Sport. Sunday will see Scotland clash with Ireland and that game will be televised on BBC Sport.
There is also Premiership action on BT Sport, which starts with Bristol Bears v Wasps on Friday, while Premier Sports has the PRO14 as usual.