Ireland v Wales (Sat, 1.15pm)
Scotland v England (Sat, 3.15pm)
France v Italy (Sun, 3pm)

As the Six Nations Championship approaches its penultimate weekend of play, things are coming to a head in several of the sub-tournaments, as well as the big one; the championship itself.

Four teams can still win the title – Wales, France, England, and Ireland – although most betting slips are riding on Wales to win it with a Grand Slam. On Saturday though, Ireland and Wales will both be vying for the Triple Crown, with Wales being able to win it outright if they can defeat the Irish at Croke Park, and Ireland only needing to defeat England the following week, if they take the spoils.

Ireland who have played somewhat erratically, but with growing confidence since the start of the tournament, are always a tough proposition at home. Wales travel over the water with a whole new set of beliefs, that they can beat anyone while in their current form.

It’s a fine balance, which is what makes this match so unpredictable and such a mouth watering prospect; the home strength and passion of Ireland, versus the apparent runaway steam train of Wales.

In Edinburgh it’s a bleak outlook for the Scots, having won no games and only scored one Try so far. They go into their Calcutta Cup match with only one thing in mind – not to be embarrassed at home by England.

England go into the game with a strong pool of players and on the back of a famous win in France, that not only boosted their Six Nations chances, but destroyed French hopes of a Grand Slam. They will be expecting to win this game against what has so far been a poor Scottish side.

Scottish fans have long memories though, and two years ago when the teams last met at Murrayfield, Scotland were in a similar position. Scotland won the game that day, and this year they will be hoping they can repeat that famous defeat of the Auld Enemy.

France have another home game on Sunday, this time against Italy, and will be hopeful of bouncing back in front of a home crowd to take Italy’s scalp. Italy are no easy walkover though, and certainly have it in them to take France all the way and win the Giuseppe Garibaldi Trophy.

Colin’s Tips: Wales, England, and France