Six Nations 2015: Fixtures, Live Stream, TV Info and Predictions for Round 4
The RBS Six Nations enters its penultimate week, and in the aftermath of Round 3's potential title-decider between Ireland and England, this weekend is set to be a crucial follow-up that could see Ireland secure the championship or blow the race wide open.
Joe Schmidt's side face a tough trip to Cardiff as they take on Wales in what looks to be the most exciting clash of the round, while England need to beat old rivals Scotland at Twickenham to keep their hopes alive.
Meanwhile, Italy take on France as the pair play ostensibly for pride, with neither having a realistic chance of mounting a charge at the trophy.
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Here's the information you need to watch all three matches, and a closer look at each.
| Position | Team | P | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | Tries | Points | |
| 1 | Ireland | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 63 | 23 | +40 | 3 | 6 | |
| 2 | England | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 77 | 52 | +25 | 8 | 4 | |
| 3 | Wales | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 62 | 57 | +5 | 4 | 4 | |
| 4 | France | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 39 | 46 | -7 | 2 | 2 | |
| 5 | Italy | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 42 | 92 | -50 | 6 | 2 | |
| 6 | Scotland | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 50 | 63 | -13 | 4 | 0 |
| Match | Date | Time | TV | Live Stream |
| Wales vs. Ireland | Saturday 14 March | 2:30 p.m. (GMT) / 10:30 a.m. (ET) | BBC 1 (UK), beIN Sports (USA) | BBC iPlayer (UK), Premium Sports (USA) |
| England vs. Scotland | Saturday 14 March | 5 p.m. (GMT) / 1 p.m. (ET) | BBC 1 (UK), beIN Sports (USA) | BBC iPlayer (UK), Premium Sports (USA) |
| Italy vs. France | Sunday 15 March | 3 p.m. (GMT) / 11 a.m. (ET) | BBC 1 (UK), beIN Sports (USA) | BBC iPlayer (UK), Premium Sports (USA) |
Wales vs. Ireland
Wales are set to name an unchanged side from the team that won 20-13 in Paris last time out, per BBC Sport, with Sam Warburton captaining Wales for a record 34th time.
Warren Gatland's men are all that stand between Ireland and Six Nations glory; a win for Ireland would all-but secure the championship.
Gatland anticipates a tough match, but looks to the character his team showed in winning two tricky away games. According to Sky Sports, he said: "We saw an improvement against Scotland and then saw another step up against France and we know we will need to do the same against Ireland on Saturday.
"Ireland are the form team in Europe and we know it is going to be a huge battle."
And a tough match is what they'll get.
Unbeaten Ireland defeated Wales' own conquerors England in Round 3 and have been rock-solid in defence, conceding just 23 points to Wales' 57.
Furthermore, the Irish will be boosted by the likely return of Johnny Sexton, according to BBC Sport, who limped out of the victory over England.
Per ESPN Scrum, Sexton has scored 29 of Ireland's 62 points, so his comeback will be a key factor in the match. His tactical kicking has the potential to punish Wales, who have been defensively suspect at times throughout the championship.
The 29-year-old is also a big presence on the pitch, just as capable of inspiring with a big tackle as he is with a piece of individual brilliance.
Welsh centre Jonathan Davies described Sexton as Ireland's "general," according to BBC Sport. With him back in the side, Ireland are a strong bet to continue their outstanding form and take another massive step towards retaining the Six Nations.
Prediction: Ireland win by seven
England vs. Scotland
To have any chance of stealing the trophy from under Ireland's nose, England's clash with Scotland is a must-win.
With Scotland sitting bottom of the table and Stuart Lancaster's men back at Twickenham, England should have more than enough about them to see off a spirited Scottish side, who will no doubt lift themselves for a game against their rivals.
England captain Chris Robshaw has led by example, making 60 tackles in England's three games, according to the Six Nations' official website.
His continued form will be a great counter to Scotland's threat of Stuart Hogg, who has beaten 12 defenders and gained 317 metres so far in the championship, via the same site.
What's more, England are the leading try-scorers in the Six Nations with eight. With the pace of Jonathan Joseph and Anthony Watson, England should cause all manner of problems to Scotland, and ultimately break through the Scottish line to a comfortable win.
Prediction: England win by 12
Italy vs. France
After losing to Wales in Paris, France have endured a difficult period that threatens to derail the rest of their already faltering campaign.
Coach Philippe Saint-Andre was highly critical of his players after the defeat, describing his team as "the Father Christmas of international rugby," and argued they did not give enough on the pitch, per Sky Sports.
Saint-Andre has since stated his belief in the players, per the RBS Six Nations website: "They have the right values, and they are doing well as a squad. They need to do more on the pitch, as a team and individually. They need to take the initiative."
Nevertheless, it remains to be seen how the team responds to their manager's strong words.
Italy, who have played better than the table would suggest, are fresh from their first win in the tournament and will look to capitalise on the fractured France squad.
Only England have scored more tries than the Azzurri, and their never-say-die attitude will keep them going in a tough match against the superior French side.
In a close encounter, Italy can snatch a narrow win at the death.
Prediction: Italy win by three
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