Six Nations 2020 is in full swing and fans are keeping a close eye on the table. France and Ireland are the only unbeaten sides heading into the third round of fixtures.
The French take on reigning champions Wales this weekend but head coach Fabien Galthie has been forced to make some changes to his line-up ahead of the trip to Cardiff.
“With Vincent Rattez being injured and Damian Penaud not being able to play, we decided to reinstate Virimi Vakatawa in the centres and to leave Arthur Vincent, who made a very good match against Italy, also in the centres,” said Galthie.
“With his experience, Gaël Fickou has already played on the wing and he has the physical ability to face George North with his imposing size, who likes to play one on one.
“This choice is also motivated by a certain consistency and a desire not to change things around too much.
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“The World Cup [defeat to Wales] is the past. Today, we focus on our strengths, on a different working method.
“Our players have evolved and it’s another story. We are going to Cardiff to be respected, we’re going to Cardiff to show who we are. We want French rugby to be respected.”
The standout fixture this weekend sees Ireland take on England at Twickenham.
The clash also pits Ireland head coach Andy Farrell against his son and England captain Owen Farrell.
“I think I’ve spoken to Owen two or three times (this week),” Ireland’s coach said.
“Sometimes it’s once a week. Sometimes it’s five times a week. Sometimes it’s ten.
“There’s nothing new there. Bit of FaceTime talking to my grandson, that kind of thing.”
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Six Nations 2020 fixtures and results
ROUND ONE:
Saturday 1 February: Wales 42-0 Italy
Saturday 1 February: Ireland 19-12 Scotland
Sunday 2 February: France 24-17 England
ROUND TWO:
Saturday 8 February: Ireland 24-14 Wales
Saturday 8 February: Scotland 6-13 England
Sunday 9 February: France 35-22 Italy
ROUND THREE:
Saturday 22 February: Italy 0-17 Scotland, 2.15pm
Saturday 22 February: Wales vs France, 4.45pm
Sunday 23 February: England vs Ireland, 3pm
ROUND FOUR:
Saturday 7 March: Ireland vs Italy, 2.15pm
Saturday 7 March: England vs Wales, 4.45pm
Sunday 8 March: Scotland vs France, 3pm
ROUND FIVE:
Saturday 14 March: Wales vs Scotland, 2.15pm
Saturday 14 March: Italy vs England, 4.45pm
Saturday 14 March: France vs Ireland, 8pm
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