6 Nations Preview: A Super Sunday

The first two rounds of games was spread over the whole weekend but round three is a different matter, all games kicking off within an hour of each other for what should be a Six Nations Super Sunday of close and exciting games.

This is a game that the Welsh have been waiting for a whole year since the French prevented their taking their first Grand Slam - that 27-5 defeat in Montauban was totally out of character with the rest of that campaign, and now is the time to put it right. History is very much on their side France have not won in Wales since 2004 and the Welsh were impressive winners over French first round conquerors Scotland last time round. Through France looked good against Ireland two weeks ago, away from home their recent record remains shockingly poor. Itll be a close game, but overall you have to favour the Welsh.

First played: 1994Overall: Played 14, France 11, Wales 3Six Nations: Played 11, France 9, Wales 2Last French win in Wales: Wales 0, France 22 (2004)Largest Welsh win: Wales 18, France 10 (2008, European championships, Leiden, Neth.) Largest French win: France 48, Wales 0 (2005)

Italys only Six Nations win came in this fixture two years ago, when they destroyed a then woeful Scottish team 31-10 in Mira so if they are to win any match this year then this will have been their main target. Unfortunately there has been nothing in this years form to suggest that they might repeat the heroics of 2008, while their opponents are playing better than they have for some years. That said both nations are nothing if not unpredictable and the fact remains that Scotland have not won an away Six Nations game since before the last World Cup. Italy might just steal it, but Scotland will start favourites.

First played: 1988Overall: Played 7, Italy 2, Scotland 5Six Nations: Played 3, Italy 1, Scotland 2Largest Scottish win: Italy 15, Scotland 43 (1999 European Championship, Belluno, Italy) Largest Italian win: Italy 31, Scotland 10 (2008)

The Irish will not be thanking the fixture computer this season, an away trip to England this weekend following hard on a trip to France two weeks ago. That French trip was disappointing after the good start against Italy, Niamh Briggs boot being the only thing that kept them in the game, and England is a significant step up, not least because they have yet to concede a point this season. However, Ireland despite still awaiting their first win in the fixture have a good recent record against England, rarely failing to cross the line and normally finishing within a couple of scores. This is also their 100th international fixture, and will also be their opening game in the World Cup, so it has an importance beyond even this tournament. England will win, but not by much, and probably not without conceding a point or two especially if they give away any penalties in their half!

First played: 1996Overall: Played 13, all won by England Largest English win: England 79, Ireland 0 (2002)Best Irish performance: England 12, Ireland 8 (1996)Last English shut-out v Ireland: 2007 (Ireland 0, England 32)