Wales on course for the Grand Slam and other highlights ahead of Six Nations round four

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  • Jones will surpass Gethin Jenkins and move on to 130 Wales caps.

    Wales face Scotland in the fourth round of the Six Nations in Murrayfield on Saturday, with the Dragons looking to continue their drive towards a first Grand Slam since 2012.

    Elsewhere, England will be bidding to return to winning ways when they face Italy at Twickenham.

    In the final match of the weekend, Ireland entertain France at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday.

    Here, we take a look at the key highlights ahead of each game.

    SCOTLAND V WALES (Saturday, 18:15)

    Talking point – Grand Slam dreams building

    The Dragons are now two games away from achieving a first Grand Slam in seven years, and judging by their sensational form in the last round against England, look hard to stop.

    Scotland may have been hit hard by injuries, especially to talisman Stuart Hogg, but home advantage could count in their favour and make it a more difficult task for a granite-like Wales attack.

    Could Warren Gatland’s side be distracted by Ireland on March 15 or news of domestic upheaval? Or will it be a routine victory?

    Key Battle – Blair Kinghorn v Liam Williams

    Set up to be a humdinger of a battle.

    Kinghorn may be inexperienced in terms of his international career to date, but he was sublime against Italy and France.

    Stepping in for Hogg, the 22-year-old ran hard against Les Bleus, making 112 metres from 16 carries and beating three defenders. He kicked well and his restarts were sharp.

    Up against him this weekend is Williams who will be high on confidence after his man-of-the-match display against England.

    Flawless in the air and with ball in hand, it will be a joy to watch both men in full flight at Murrayfield.

    Prediction – Wales by 5 points

    Scotland will be up for this fixture having performed poorly in the three rounds to date. With Finn Russell expected to come back into the fold, the home side will have more creativity in attack. But Wales are in searing form and should shade this one by a score.

    ENGLAND V ITALY (Saturday, 20:45)

    Talking point – Routine win expected for the Red Rose

    The Grand Slam may no longer be on offer, but England know the championship is not out of reach yet, and need to secure a bonus-point win to keep their dreams alive.

    Eddie Jones is likely to make a number of changes, but he will want to keep the momentum going strong in order finish the campaign on a positive note. Expect him to stick with most of his big names.

    After successive defeats, Conor O’Shea’s Azzurri gave Ireland a brief scare in Rome and were ahead at half-time. But facing a stronger England side, it is inevitable they will fall to a 21st successive Six Nations defeat.

    Key Battle – Tom Curry v Braam Steyn

    Curry has been consistently superb over the three Six Nations matches to date. He was impressive against Wales in round three, making 24 tackles, seven carries and capping off a fine performance with a try too. It’s hard to believe he is only 20.

    In Steyn, Italy have an equally influential player who has eased the pressure on stalwart Sergio Parisse this campaign and looks to be a force for many years to come.

    The Benetton flanker is a menace with and without the ball, and has the strong carrying ability to put England under serious pressure.

    Prediction – England by 30 points

    For all the talk about Italy potentially putting it up to England, it’s unlikely they will be able to keep with a side that – aside from defeat to Wales – is starting to purr with confidence again. Italy may bag a try or two, but England should score 40 points.

    IRELAND V FRANCE (Sunday, 19:00)

    Talking point – France hoping to exploit Ireland’s kicking game

    Ireland will put pressure on France with their kicking game, but after the trouncing against England, Jacques Brunel’s men will be more versed and sharp in their defence of this tactic.

    And with the fearless trio of Antoine Dupont, Romain Ntamack and Thomas Ramos pulling the strings, Les Bleus will be looking to test Ireland at every opportunity with ball in hand.

    The Men in Green will aim to hold possession and inflict long sequences on their opponents, but whoever can make least mistakes will win this.

    A close battle expected.

    Key Battle – Conor Murray v Antoine Dupont

    Murray is the best scrum-half in the world on his day but his contributions of late have been subpar by his own high standards.

    The Munster man is still finding his groove after recovering from a lengthy neck injury but has the crisp passing ability and strong game management to give Ireland a foothold against France on Sunday.

    His opposite number though is a star in the making.

    Even after 11 international appearances, 22-year-old Dupont has the running, passing and kicking game for France to build a game around him for the next decade.

    And with Ntamack outside him, both can pose a real threat at the Aviva.

    Prediction – Ireland by 13 points

    A tight game is expected in the early stages, but Ireland have enough class in attack and defence to gain the upper-hand and should clinch victory here by two scores.

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