Six Nations 2015: Fixtures, Live Stream and Predictions for Week 2 Action
An intriguing opening set of results in the 2015 Six Nations leaves the tournament finely poised heading into the second weekend of action.
Wales desperately need to pick up a win after being downed by England in Cardiff on Friday, but they face a vastly improved Scotland in front of a likely fearsome Murrayfield crowd.
England should take great momentum from their Welsh victory and are heavy favourites to beat Italy at Twickenham, while Ireland have the home advantage against the unpredictable French.
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Read on for fixture and live streaming information as well as predictions for all of Week 2's action.
| Date | Time (GMT/ET) | Fixture |
| Feb. 14 | 2:30 p.m./9:30 a.m. | England vs. Italy |
| Feb. 14 | 5 p.m./noon | Ireland vs. France |
| Feb. 15 | 3 p.m./10 a.m. | Scotland vs. Wales |
UK viewers can live stream all the action via BBC iPlayer, US viewers via beIN Sports Connect.
Ireland vs. France
Both Ireland and France underwhelmed in winning their openers and must improve for Week 2's clash if they want to illustrate title-winning pedigree.
Though the reigning champions sit atop the standings after a 26-3 victory over Italy on Saturday, it was tough work for the majority of the match, with the Irish only comfortable after two late tries.
They will need to up their game in front of a home crowd at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, and the likely return of several key players should provide a significant boost, per The42.ie:
France failed to run in a try in their 15-8 victory over Scotland, relying solely on the boot of Camille Lopez, who will once again be key against Ireland.
Les Bleus showed power in the pack, which will be vital against Ireland, but they need to re-find their traditional flair and fluency in the back line if they are to compete in Dublin.
With the likes of Mathieu Bastareaud, Teddy Thomas, Scott Spedding, Wesley Fofana and Yoann Huget, there is no shortage of talent in the backs, but they need to find their form together.
The Irish should just edge Saturday's contest, as they will benefit from home advantage and returning stars, but expect both sides to improve on their opening efforts.
Prediction: Ireland to win by 4
England vs. Italy
England were impressive in overhauling a 10-point deficit to beat Wales in Cardiff in the tournament's opening match, and they did it with several key men missing.
As 2003 World Cup winner Will Greenwood noted, it was a hugely significant win, arguably the best of Stuart Lancaster's tenure as coach:
An injury-hit pack still managed to dominate the Welsh and should be similarly effective against Italy, while George Ford will be looking to repeat his excellent performance from Cardiff, per former England captain Lewis Moody:
Italy showed significant defensive strength against Ireland but face an even tougher task at Twickenham and could well be in for a similar hiding to the 52-11 drubbing meted out by Lancaster's men in Rome last year.
England will look to start fast against Italy having failed to do so in Wales, and they have the quality to put a significant score together at Twickenham.
Prediction: England to win by 23
Scotland vs. Wales
Scotland are thriving under Vern Cotter, and despite the loss to France, there is much to be positive about heading into Sunday's Murrayfield clash with Wales.
They showed terrific resolve in Paris, per RBS Six Nations, and Dougie Fife's try finished a finely constructed move from the enterprising Scots.
Wales hammered Scotland 51-3 in last year's tournament, but there will be no repeat of that on Sunday.
However, Warren Gatland's men will be hurting after the defeat to England and cannot afford to lose to Scotland if they want to compete for the Six Nations title.
A backlash is inevitable from the Welsh, and their quality is such that they should be able to edge out the Scots.
It will be a close-run thing, but Wales' back line—including the bulldozing Jamie Roberts—should make the difference as they can breach the Scottish defence where the French failed.
Prediction: Wales to win by 3
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