Who's read the original novels? This could be lots of fun

First weekend with no rest week, squad depth to be tested, injuries rates on the lower ranked to be keenly felt this weekend.

England vs Ireland first up, both on a win and a loss and both needing this to keep their championship hopes alive! Dublin will be buzzing, with Irish expectations that England are now vulberable, but for anyone who watched Squidge this week: England are far from it!

Then Wales vs Scotland for the Saturday evening match. And the smart money is on Scotland here, but Wales will have watched that Scotland v Italy match and will he targetting this match now. Wales haven't had a 6n win in years now, it has to happen at some stage, and Scotland's record in Cardiff is abysmal. Banana skin for Scotland for sure

Then we have France vs Italy and this should see France rotating and Italy looking to minimise championship points imo. Would be a high scoring affair I suspect, with both teams getting it wide and putting those backs in plenty, but the weather says otherwise! Bucketing it down in Paris, and how did Italy do in similar conditions 2 weeks ago? A close affair here, let's see if Italy can defy the pundits?

As always, pics, reactions, predictions all appreciated. And do your kicktipp!

Hype starting to build ahead of the season opener here!

Some previews for us today, can't wait for the weekend!

Why ain't it six? It's the six nations ffs! Here's an Italian paragraph that the bbc were too lazy to write

Italian Renaissance?

Fresh from drowning Scotland last weekend, and with a history of one off wins in the 6 nations, the question was always going to be: can they back it up? Well Ireland had a say it that result, but Italy looked the better team for more of that match than Ireland. And with a pack to match the tournament, and a backline that can shine on it's day. Menoncello, Fischetti, Garbisi - get used to hearing these names as I suspect this team are capable of beating anyone in the tournament (bar the French!). I'm gonna back them for another win vs Wales, and England which could be enough to give them an all time high 3rd in the championship

See? About 5 minutes. Love the six nations

Schedule

All UTC this week. In Dublin, Edinburgh, and Cardiff. A very celtic weekend!

Saturday

Ireland vs Italy - 1410
Scotland vs England - 1640

Sunday

Wales vs France - 1500

First up we have bruised Ireland hosting a triumphant Italy. Expect Italy to really give things a go this week, they have a point to prove and Ireland are a potential scalp in the making here. Ultimately Ireland should win here, but I'll bet under a score in it

Next we see the Calcutta Cup fought for in the Scottish Capital, and as the resident Scot: I'm scared. I've also got tickets. Imperious 12 in a row England will pull all the stops out to make it 13, but here's hoping it is unlucky. Great rugby weather today, I can see out my window, expect tries a plenty

Then Wales. First season without a sellout in years for Cardiff. And with good reason imo, I'd struggle to pay for what is on offer. Still, this is Tandy's first home 6n game and he knows the importance of at least putting on a show. France though, after last week's demolition of Ireland won't be troubled, this is as dead cert as you'll find in the championship this year. Keep it under 50!

As always, predictions, reactions, and shitposts all welcome. Get those kicktipp picks in (please!), and have a great weekend wherever you are

PS. Super Rugby also is on, and top14 is on this weekend, so loads of rugby to crow about

Gonna be a good game I'm sure

More Welsh drama during the 6n. Maybe it will help them vs France this weekend? Maybe???

Not asked: where can you get a Tennents in Newcastle?

Toonie oot!

Confused about the trophies? Here's all you need to know

Long way from a crisis imo. But Wales do need to sort out their pathways, they have finally run out of luck