'Be yourself as much as you can' - Finlay Bealham embracing the 'weirdness' as he nears 50 caps
Just as they did two years ago, Ireland come into the Guinness Six Nations with Tadhg Furlong sidelined by a calf injury.
Six Nations Sport News
Warren Gatland admits Italy showdown now ‘pretty important’ for wounded Wales
Warren Gatland says Wales cannot hide away from the importance of a Six Nations appointment with Italy in Rome after they were demolished 43-0 by France.
Next gen 10s to take centre stage for years to come
So long the preserve of Johnny Sexton and Owen Farrell, with a side of George Ford, this afternoon's Ireland v England clash throws four young out-halves into the mix in what could be a fascinating narrative for years to come.
Preview: Simon Easterby's inauguration set for England test
As tempting as it is to start rebuilding for a World Cup crack in 2027, there is a significant piece of Six Nations history for Ireland to target in the short term.
Fabien Galthie questions red card call while Wales brace for 'huge' Italy game
France made their Six Nations opener look like a canter as they destroyed Wales on Friday but lost Romain Ntamack through a red card, which ruled the flyhalf out of next weekend's clash against England. Fabien Galthie's side rolled over the visitors in a 43-0 drubbing to add to their three victories in last year's autumn series with Antoine Dupont playing chief tormentor in a scintillating first half. "The team is different when Dupont is here. He is the best player in the world and brings energy to all the players with his talent," Gregory Alldritt said. Dupont was back in the Six Nations after skipping last year's championship to prepare for the Olympics before winning the Rugby Sevens gold, and he returned with a bang. The scrumhalf delivered three assists before being replaced shortly after the interval. Although Dupont had to have his calf strapped, Galthie was reassuring about his condition ahead of next weekend's clash against England in Twickenham. Galthie praised France's discipline, with only three penalties conceded although Ntamack's red card for a shoulder-to-head tackle was a woeful low for the flyhalf. Ntamack was back with France after missing the Six Nations last year and the World Cup through injuries. "There is no question it's a yellow card, whether it's a red is debatable because he doesn't fully engage into the tackle," Galthie argued, despite some damning TV footage.
Past woes still echo as unpredictable England arrive in town
Ireland and England's latest meeting, 150 years after their first, comes freighted with greater than average levels of uncertainty.
Clinical France wallop wretched Wales on Antoine Dupont's return
Wales suffered a 13th successive Test match defeat and a record Guinness Six Nations loss to France as an Antoine Dupont-inspired Les Bleus demolished them 43-0 in Paris.
Wales thrashed in Six Nations opener by Antoine Dupont-inspired France
Wales suffered a 13th successive Test match defeat and record Six Nations loss to France as an Antoine Dupont-inspired Les Bleus demolished them 43-0 in Paris.