For the first time since 2021 the Six Nations championship won’t be completed on the same day, with three matches in a row.
Fortunately, the postponement of the Italy-Wales match, caused by the death of Pope Francis, has been delayed by only one day. The combined authorities have found it possible to rearrange it far sooner than expected.
So while the Catholic Church mourns, the world of rugby can complete its latest journey.
The Fixtures:
Saturday 26 April
Scotland v Ireland, The Hive, Edinburgh; KO 14.30
England v France; The Allianz Stadium, London; KO 16.45
Sunday 27 April
Italy v Wales, Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Parma; KO 11.30
(All times BST)
Scotland v Ireland
This is a key contest for both sides. Quite apart from traditional Celtic rivalries, they need to confirm their progress – to themselves and their supporters. Scotland’s advance this season has been chequered; only one win in four, and that was by a mere 3 points at home to Wales.
The Irish want every game to show an advance on the past; they are the success story of the sextet. Even without leading players (Monaghan, Parsons and now King), they are showing increasing effectiveness fore and aft.
It will be a shock if Scotland can hold them off.
England v France
Les Bleues are now pretty used to appearing at HQ. That is their reward for being consistently the second best competitor in the championship. But that role is a stigma they want to be rid of asap. I’m still not convinced of their ability to do so.
Look at the bench alone. In Round Four it was Élisa Riffonneau, Ambre Mwayembe, Clara Joyeux, Charlotte Escudero, Axelle Berthoumieu, Léa Champon, Alexandra Chambon and Lina Queyroi. All are fine players, but not all are alternative first-choice picks for the elite team. There lies one cardinal difference between the two sides.
Now news emerges of the non-availability of Monserrat Amédée, Romane Ménager and Séraphine Okemba. That is a cruel triple blow to their hopes. Amédée, making a surprise return to the side after a 7-year absence, was called up because of other injuries; Ménager was making a delayed comeback from that cruel injury, concussion. Okemba was starting to prove her 15s ability, after switching across from 7s.
The co-coaches have reacted by introducing two uncapped youngsters, Taïna Maka (a 20-year-old lock) and Maélig Ngassa-Manac’h (a 21-year-old centre). Who would England’s equivalent substitutes have been?
Once more the strength of the bench will be highlighted. Such a shame for the injured players and
French chances.
Italy v Wales
The one big relief is the news of a speedy readjustment to the original date. The last parallel I can think of was for very different reasons: exceptionally bad weather caused the delay of a Scotland-England match from a Sunday to the following day, and a move from Glasgow to Edinburgh. Instead of high winds and rain the players enjoyed a snowstorm.
This last match is even more important to the two teams than the first one above. They sit at the bottom of the table and are desperate to gain maximum points. Till now Wales have obtained only a single bonus point, from that tight Scotland game.
If Cymru manages to take the day, that will be a massive relief for Sean Lynn, the players and all Welsh supporters. I fear it won’t happen.
Despite a greater Welsh emphasis on open play, giving the backs plenty of ball, I find the Italian back-line even more dangerous.
