Rugby Union Today: Six Nations team news

Colin Newboult

Wales' Liam Williams arrives for the Guinness Six Nations match at BT Murrayfield, Edinburgh.

Another busy day in the rugby union game as all the countries named their respective teams for the Six Nations encounters on Saturday.

What’s on the site

Wales were able to name an unchanged line-up for their crucial clash against Ireland. There were concerns over the fitness of Liam Williams, who went off in their previous encounter, but he is able to take his place at full-back.

Their opponents this weekend are also close to full-strength. Iain Henderson’s injury was a blow but the talented Munster lock Tadhg Beirne has taken his place in the engine room, while Rob Kearney has returned to the full-back position.

The main stories and talking points are all covered in ‘the short side,’ as we discuss that Grand Slam decider and France centre Wesley Fofana, who is set to make his final Six Nations appearance.

Elsewhere, check out ‘super charged,’ which looks at the best stories in Super Rugby, including Ngani Laumape’s 50th game for the Hurricanes and the big match of the weekend.

What’s in the news

England have dropped Joe Cokanasiga from their match-day squad, with Jack Nowell coming back into the XV to face Scotland at Twickenham. For the visitors, they have made six changes to their side with star flanker Hamish Watson among those to come into the team.

Meanwhile, Italy have named Jake Polledri at flanker for their clash against France. The Gloucester player had missed the opening few games due to injury but, after featuring for the Cherry and Whites versus Saracens and Bristol, Azzurri boss Conor O’Shea has decided to bring him back.

In Super Rugby, controversial number eight Amanaki Mafi is set for his Sunwolves bow and champions Crusaders have named Owen Franks, Matt Todd, Sam Whitelock and George Bridge in their XV.

What’s on social media

Eddie Jones, in typical fashion, has stirred the pot ahead of this weekend’s action. England need Ireland to prevent Wales from winning for the Red Rose to stand any chance of claiming the title and Jones believes that Warren Gatland’s men are “tired.”

What’s on TV

The 2019 Six Nations returns for its final weekend with the BBC showing the big clash of the weekend when Wales face Ireland. Italy v France begins proceedings and England v Scotland rounds off the competition, and they will be shown on ITV.

Meanwhile, Sky Sports will broadcast all the Super Rugby encounters which take place, starting with the Chiefs taking on the Hurricanes in an all-New Zealand clash, and ends with the Lions against the Rebels. The Top 14 will also be televised on the channel, with both Sunday games being shown.