Six Nations 2015: Fixture Info, Form Guide and Team News Ahead of Round 1
The 2015 World Cup looms large for European rugby’s finest sides, but with the Six Nations set to get underway this weekend, there’s much to focus on before the showpiece event gets kicks off in September.
This tournament represents ideal preparation for those sides who are looking to challenge to be 2015 world champions and the opening weekend of this year’s edition has churned out some intriguing contests. Indeed, two of the three upcoming games will be repeated in the group stages of the World Cup itself.
But the six nations is a coveted competition in its own right and there’ll be no quarter given from any of the sides involved as they look to secure some early-season glory. Here are all the matches available to savour on the opening weekend, a look at the form of each team coming into the competition and the latest team news for each side involved:
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| Friday, Jan. 6 | 8:05 p.m. | Wales (LLLWLW) | England (WLLLWW) |
| Saturday, Jan. 7 | 2:30 p.m. | Italy (LLLWLL) | Ireland (WWWWWW) |
| Saturday, Jan. 7 | 5 p.m. | France (LLLWWL) | Scotland (WWLWLW) |
Wales vs. England
Here are the two teams named by the respective coaches coming into this one:
The most eye-catching clash of the weekend will see these two ferocious rivals go head-to-head at what should be a raucous Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. The last time England were in the Welsh's backyard in this competition they were on the end of something of a humbling:
Last year’s 29-18 win at Twickenham exacted some kind of revenge for the English, but you suspect Stuart Lancaster and his men will be desperate to show the Welsh crowd what they can do. Indeed, a win in Cardiff would give this team some massive momentum moving forward in the competition.
Wales are a classy outfit however and that’s wholly abundant by their own team selection. Despite concerns surrounding fitness, Warren Gatland will be able to call upon winger George North and hooker Richard Hibbard for the England clash; their experience with the British and Irish Lions will be crucial in what should be a ferocious 80 minutes of action.
Italy vs. Ireland
Reigning champions Ireland have what’s typically been the easiest game in this tournament to get their defence of the title underway, as they come up against Italy. But they can’t afford to harbour any complacency going into this one; the Italians are a nation that’s improving year-by-year in this tournament and are a dangerous opponent on home turf.
The teams have yet to be officially confirmed for this one, but according to Shane Scanlon of the Irish Independent, we should expect a couple of surprises for the boys in green:
There’s some massive significance to this game too, not just in that Joe Schmidt’s Ireland team are looking to get this competition off to the perfect start. As is the case with England and Wales, Ireland will face Italy in their pool at the upcoming World Cup and these kinds of games can be so important as the team gears up towards the showpiece.
A trip to the Stadio Olimpico will not be easy for the Irish, but there’s a reason they come into this tournament as favourites to clinch a successive championship. If they can win this coveted competition back-to-back, it’d be the first time they’ve done so since 1949.
France vs. Scotland
The French have already named their team for this one:
After pushing New Zealand exceptionally close in the autumn internationals, Scotland will look to take another positive step when they get their Six Nations campaign underway in earnest in Paris. France are an aesthetic side to watch, but occasionally their flamboyance can cover up a scant lack of fortitude and the visitors will be hoping to capitalise on those concerns.
As we can see here courtesy of the official Scottish Rugby Twitter account, skipper Greig Laidlaw is excited to show what his men are capable of:
Nonetheless, France are big favourites heading into this one and regardless of any team Scotland boss Vern Cotter can name, they have superior quality all over the park. If the Scots can dig in and frustrate their illustrious opponents, they have a chance, but if Les Bleus get on top early, it could be a long night for the visitors.
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