With just two rounds left in this year’s Six Nations the tournament looks Ireland’s to lose as the only undefeated team left.
Ireland face a rejuvenated Scotland in Dublin this weekend and they can claim the championship with a bonus-point victory, if England fail to do the same in Paris.
Here are changes that all the teams should consider to improve their chances as the competition reaches its pointy end:
England
The English back-row has been shown up to be cumbersome and lack mobility over the first three rounds and Eddie Jones simply can not persist with selecting three locks as well as Chris Robshaw. He needs someone quicker to the breakdown and providing a better link between the backs and forwards – so the returning Sam Simmonds needs to be in the starting XV.
Out wide George Ford seems to have lost confidence and penetration so Jones needs to look at going more direct, starting Ben Te’o at No12 and moving Owen Farrell to fly-half. The other option is a direct swap of Te’o for the underwhelming Jonathan Joseph. Fit-again Elliot Daly is also back in the mix on the wing, with Jonny May’s place under threat.
Louis Picamoles may return for France against England.
France
The “Edinburgh eight” may be considered again as France face England in Paris then Wales in Cardiff. It will be interesting to see which players Jacques Brunel chooses to recall from his exiled stars – if any – who were left out after some post-match shenanigans after the loss to Scotland.
Dangerous winger Teddy Thomas would definitely have come back into the starting line-up but he injured his ankle playing for Racing 92, while Louis Picamoles may struggle to unseat the impressive new No8 Marco Tauleigne who made 76 metres from 17 carries against Italy.
With Mathieu Bastareaud performing so well at outside centre there is choice to be made on who will partner him and Brunel may opt for the more experienced Gael Fickou rather than the direct Geoffrey Doumayrou.
Garry Ringrose is back just in time for Ireland
Ireland
What has been most impressive for the tournament leaders to date is how their back-up players have stepped up. Prop Andrew Porter, flanker Dan Leavy and centre Chris Farrell all had big shoes to fill against Wales but were among Ireland’s best in Dublin. Farrell is now injured, but first-choice Garry Ringrose is now fit again so he will come straight back in.
Fly-half Johnny Sexton has been struggling with a back injury and as much as Joe Schmidt might like to rest him, he can’t take that chance against Scotland – so Sexton will start. The other change Schmidt should consider is starting John Ryan at tighthead. As impressive as Porter was against Wales, Ryan brings a little more experience which might be crucial against the Scots.
Nicola Quaglio made an impact against France
Italy
Wales legend Mike Phillips called for a return to the Five Nations on Sport360 this week and it’s hard to argue with that as the gap between Italy and the rest seems to get bigger, not smaller, each year. As the Azzurri continue to underwhelm coach Conor O’Shea is looking at his options – but none are much better than those already in the starting XV.
Sebastian Negri in the back row has been one of Italy’s bright spots, taking a load off the waning Sergio Parisse, but their real issue is up front where they desperately need some hard-edged tight five forwards.
Dean Budd could make way for George Biagi in the second row while loose-head Nicola Quaglio, who was busy after coming on against France, deserves to start instead of Andrea Lovotti.
Richie Gray should be recalled to the Scotland pack for Ireland
Scotland
After their impressive win over England last-up Gregor Townsend has headaches of the right kind as his squad is bolstered by the return of five injured stars – Richie Gray, Fraser Brown, Zander Fagerson, Alex Dunbar and Darryl Marfo. The question is which of these does he bring into the starting line-up.
Their lineout has continued to improve since it fell apart against Wales in week one but Gray should still come back into the starting XV to shore up this facet of play. Fly-half Finn Russell was on his last chance against England but the 25-year-old produced when he needed it most – so expect him to hold his spot, but he may be partnered by livewire Ali Price rather than the safer Greig Laidlaw.
George North is an option at outside centre for Wales
Wales
Warren Gatland could not hide his disappointment after the Dragons succumbed in Dublin. Wales have been near enough in their two losses against Ireland and England but they are just missing that touch of backline class or extra forward power that will get them over the line in a tough one.
George North is getting back to his best and although Gatland may not want to drop either of his wings – Liam Williams or Steff Evans – he could look at North slotting in at outside centre with Scott Williams moving to No12, which would certainly add some extra penetration to the Dragons backline.
The other change he should consider is Bradley Davies starting in the second row instead of Cory Hill. Davies is a far more damaging ball runner which is what Wales need more of in the tight five.
