SIX NATIONS: Four things to consider before this weekend’s action

The talking points ahead of the third round fixtures in the Six Nations.

Decider

This Saturday, England and Wales, the two unbeaten teams so far in the tournament face off in what could potentially be the game that decides which nation will walk away with the title. The tie will be contested west of the bridge at the Millennium Stadium and is set to be a fiery affair. In the last five meetings between the two teams, England have come out on top as winners in four of those, all in a row, since their disappointing defeat at the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

So far, Wales have beat Italy and France, who are arguably the weakest sides in the competition, but without earning any bonus points. England have beaten France themselves comfortably and also secured an unexpected initial victory against Ireland, who have the world’s best player within their ranks.

England are just pipping it as the favourites for winning the whole tournament, but come half-past-six on Saturday evening, everybody will have a much better idea. This is a must-watch event for all sports fans.

How are England’s World Cup rivals getting on?

Called Back

Although in the midst of the competition, a few players turned out for their respective clubs over the weekend.

Wales Fly-half Dan Biggar started in Northampton’s 67 – 17 win over Sale, whilst Scotland’s Finn Russell featured for Racing 92 loss to Toulouse.

However, their are fitness doubts over the duo after they both came off injured early in their respective games.

Former Scotland captain, Jim Hamilton, has lamented the decision for players to play club rugby during off weeks.

Even though I did if many times. I find it absolutely ludicrous that Finn Russell had to play in the top 14, 6 days before a test match. Factor in the travel back to Paris and now back to Scotland to travel back to Paris.“Player welfare is at the forefront”🤷🏼‍♂️

— Jim Hamilton 🐺 (@jimhamilton4) February 17, 2019

Bonus Points

Since the introduction of the bonus point in 2017, their has been an increased amount of tries scored.

If someone wins all their games in the @SixNationsRugby with no bonus points & another wins 4 with bonus points & gets a losing bonus point in the other, would they win the tournament….21points 4w 1losing bonus V 5wins (Grandslam) but 20points ? 🧐 #ThatWouldBeStrange

— scott baldwin (@scottbaldwin2) February 7, 2019

Welsh hooker Scott Baldwin has been doing his math based on bonus points, making an interesting point, however, the Grand Slam Winners earn an extra three points to put any doubt to bed.

Injuries

Most teams have injury concerns heading into week three, with England feeling the effects of their previous two encounters.

Mako Vunipola will definitely miss the end of the tournament with ankle ligament damage, while Chris Ashton joins Maro Itoje on the list of players missing the Wales game.

Alongside Finn Russell’s injury, Scotland will be without the mercurial Huw Jones and the ever impressive Ryan Wilson for the remainder of the competition.