The key battles in the final round of the Six Nations

Adam Kyriacou
Add as a preferred source on Google

Ahead of a mouth-watering Round Five in the Six Nations, here’s a head-to-head battle to keep a close eye on in each of the three matches.

Scotland v Italy

Scotland flanker Jamie Ritchie and Italy counterpart Sebastian Negri will continue their promising Test careers by facing off at Murrayfield.

Jamie Ritchie (Scotland)

His display at Twickenham as Scotland stunned England on their home patch for the first time since 1983 fired the Edinburgh flanker firmly into British and Irish Lions contention. But he has slipped back into the shade as injury ruled him out against Wales before Ireland bossed the breakdown battle last weekend. Ritchie needs a big finish to the campaign if he is to make Warren Gatland sit up and take notice.

Sebastian Negri (Italy)

The hard-hitting blindside flanker has taken on more responsibility with the Azzurri this year as he steps up to fill a void left by Sergio Parisse’s retirement and injuries to Jake Polledri and Braam Steyn. From being part of the supporting cast now, the Benetton forward has established himself as Italy’s main man, racking up 52 carries and 52 tackles so far from four games.

Ireland v England

Two players operating as their pack’s go-to carrier meet when Ireland’s CJ Stander and Billy Vunipola of England collide this Saturday.

CJ Stander (Ireland)

One of Ireland’s most consistent performers will be playing his final international for his adopted country after unexpectedly announcing his retirement at the end of the season. Stander is a muscular presence in the back-row where his power propels his team over the gainline time and again. The South African-born forward, who qualified for Ireland on residency grounds, lacks the raw strength of Vunipola but his work rate is higher as evidenced by his 64 carries in this year’s Six Nations, 11 more than his nearest rival. He is also a force over the ball, winning five turnovers.

Billy Vunipola (England)

By his own admission, Vunipola had been playing “rubbish” and faced being dropped for the first time until he was restored to his rampaging best against Wales. Opposite number Taulupe Faletau was man of the match in Cardiff but Vunipola made more metres in total and more metres per carry. He produced another mighty display against France to renew his status as Eddie Jones’ first-choice number eight. Quite simply, there is no one like him in English rugby and without the wrecking ball of Tongan heritage the pack lose their most potent weapon. His bulk also makes him a key component of the maul.

France v Wales

Wales go for the title and a fifth Grand Slam when they face France, with the Virimi Vakatawa and George North battle set to be massive.

Virimi Vakatawa (France)

New Zealand-born Vakatawa qualified to represent France in 2013, and although it was another three years before he made his Test debut, he established a fearsome reputation on the world sevens circuit as a devastating runner and prolific try-scorer. He transferred those qualities to the 15-a-side arena and has become an integral part of the French back division, mixing his raw pace with power and a brilliant off-loading game that makes him a handful for any opposition defence. Form and fitness permitting, he could be a star of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.

George North (Wales)

North has been moved from wing, where he played the overwhelming majority of his international career, to outside centre this season by Pivac, and the results have proved impressive. A natural line-breaker and solid defensive presence, he continues to be a key Wales figure, and recently became the youngest person in rugby union history to win 100 caps for their country. North has scored 43 tries in the red shirt, and one touchdown against France would take him past Shane Williams’ mark of 22 for most touchdowns in the Six Nations by a Wales player.

 

England