Six nations rugby preview

Wales v Italy, Cardiff, 2.55am tomorrow

Champions Wales face the ultimate barometer of how far they have fallen in the past year in a potential wooden spoon decider at Millennium Stadium.

A year ago Wales were about to complete the Grand Slam, playing high-speed, exhilarating rugby under the stewardship of coach Mike Ruddock.

Now, shorn through injury of most of the team who swept to the 2005 title, Ruddock gone and confidence sapped by heavy defeats in England and Ireland, they are being eyed by Italy coach Pierre Berbizier as his team's best hope of a first away victory in the tournament.

After a bright start in Dublin last month, Wales lost their way horribly in a 31-5 defeat.

Australian caretaker coach Scott Johnson has made only one change, bringing back fit-again wing Shane Williams for Dafydd James.

"We have kept faith with the majority of the side that underperformed in Dublin and told them to go out there and put things right," Johnson said.

Bizarrely, should Wales rediscover their form and repeat their 38-8 success in Rome last year, they could still retain the title on points difference by beating France in their final match, also in Cardiff.

A more realistic aim is to scramble any sort of a win against a team who have led in the second half against Ireland, England and France, only to fall away on each occasion.

Italy's coach and former France captain Berbizier has made three changes. Lock Santiago Dellape reclaims his place, Maurizio Zaffiri has the tough job of replacing injured flanker Mauro Bergamasco and Ezio Galon starts at fullback.


Ireland v Scotland, Dublin, 4.25am tomorrow

Lansdowne Rd can expect a classic Celtic clash as Ireland bid to keep their Triple Crown and championship hopes alive with a victory over a resurgent Scotland eyeing their first title since 1999.

Ireland, buoyant after a comprehensive 31-5 win over holders Wales in Dublin two weeks ago, will face a stiff challenge from Scotland, who have proved the surprise package of this year's competition with home wins over heavyweights France and England.

Scotland coach Frank Hadden is taking no chances with his team, opting for experienced duo Scott Murray and Nathan Hines as locks despite strong performances from Alistair Kellock and Scott MacLeod against England two weeks ago.

Murray missed the 18-12 win over England after picking up a red card during his side's defeat by Wales two weeks' earlier. Hines was on the bench after making himself available for international rugby again after a spell of semi-retirement.

Their return should strengthen the Scottish lineout, which has been disappointing in recent games.

A Scottish win at Lansdowne Rd would be their first in eight years and they have lost heavily on their last three visits.

Scotland's performances in the tournament to date have relied mainly on a rock-solid defence but the visitors could open up their game in Dublin.

Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan has made only one change from the team that beat Wales, with lock Paul O'Connell back in the starting lineup after passing a fitness test this week. Donncha O'Callaghan goes back to the bench.


France v England, Paris, 3.55am Monday

For once, the cross-Channel duel won't be a Grand Slam-winning match or even a Six Nations decider, but it will be the pivotal game for both teams' seasons.

"There will no Grand Slam, so what? [The] match is still for us the highlight of the season because of the long-standing rivalry between the two teams," said France's coach Bernard Laporte.

"The championship is still at stake and the team who win the game will take the upper hand."

England's coach Andy Robinson agreed.

"We are both going into the game with the potential to win the championship," he said.

Both coaches refused to be negative about the surprise defeats they suffered in Scotland.

"We created eight opportunities but didn't take them," said Robinson.

"It is something to be looked at. We were one pass away from scoring a number of tries but we are creating scoring opportunities."

Laporte, at least, recognised his team's shortcomings.

Yet for France fullback Thomas Castaignede the rivals are "two convalescent sides recovering from a bout of Scottish flu and who still have a chance of winning the championship as long as they don't lose".

Defeat would not necessarily rule out the title hopes of either side as the championship could yet be won with six points, but it is not something either side wants to consider now.

To combat England's power Laporte will field a highly experienced pack of forwards with six players over 30 and an average number of 57 caps against 38 for the England eight.

Robinson, however, is more concerned by the threat of the French backs.

- REUTERS