Six Nations 2016: Schedule, Kick-off Times, TV and Live Stream Info for Round 3

There's more key action in the 2016 Six Nations in Round 3 as second-placed France take on third-placed Wales in Cardiff—a crunch clash that could determine England's main rivals for the championship.

As for table-toppers England, they can end Ireland's slim hopes of winning a third consecutive Six Nations title if they inflict defeat upon them at Twickenham on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Scotland and Italy will face off in Rome as both sides look to earn their first points of the campaign and avoid the unenviable wooden spoon.

Here is the full schedule for Round 3 complete with viewing information:

Date	Time (GMT)	Fixture	TV
Friday, February 26	8:05 p.m.	Wales vs. France	BBC One
Saturday, February 27	3:25 p.m.	Italy vs. Scotland	ITV One
Saturday, February 27	4:50 p.m.	England vs. Ireland	ITV One

Matches can be streamed live via BBC iPlayer and ITV Player.

Preview

Wales have made three changes to the side that beat Scotland in their last outing, with BBC Sport reporting Jonathan Davies retains his starting berth after making a successful recovery from a hip injury he suffered against the Scots in Cardiff.

PAUL ELLIS/Getty Images

Luke Charteris will be absent, though, with Bradley Davies coming in to replace him, while Alex Cuthbert and Dan Lydiate come in for Tom James and Justin Tipuric, respectively.

A win for either Wales or France will see them put early pressure on England by leapfrogging them in the standings, and Wales coach Warren Gatland is hoping to see his side extend their impressive run of form.

Per BBC Sport, he said: "It's set to be another huge Six Nations weekend. France come to Cardiff unbeaten in the campaign so far and impressing under Guy [Noves]. We are looking to continue our unbeaten run and will be looking for another step up after the victory over Scotland."

Indeed, as Opta Jonny revealed, Wales are enjoying their best spell in six years, stretching back to their 2015 Six Nations campaign:

Further, they have shown great resilience in coming back from losing positions:

Rugby journalist Simon Thomas believes Wales are strong all over the pitch—with the exception of the breakdown, which he highlighted as a particular weakness following their victory over Scotland:

What could work in Wales' favour is that France may struggle to take advantage at the breakdown, as they have already conceded 32 turnovers, according to the tournament's official website—only Scotland have more with 33.

The match could be decided by which team can retain more composure at the breakdown, with both sides facing difficulties in that department.

Despite the French winning both of their matches, rugby writer Gavin Mortimer has been left unimpressed by what he's seen thus far and believes they could be in for a long night at the Principality Stadium:

"

Because France have been truly appalling in their opening two matches. 62 mins before they set foot in the Ireland 22 on Saturday

— gavin mortimer (@gavinmortimer7) February 15, 2016"

"

Far be it from me to pee on anyone's parade but were I French I'd be having nightmares of what may well happen in Cardiff on Friday week

— gavin mortimer (@gavinmortimer7) February 15, 2016"

Indeed, they were run extremely close by both Italy and Ireland at home, so against a strong Wales side in Cardiff, they'll need to put in a much-improved showing to walk away with a positive result.