Andy Farrell has made five changes to his Ireland team for Friday night’s Guinness Six Nations clash against Wales at the Aviva Stadium, with Ulster flanker Nick Timoney earning his first Six Nations start in a reshaped pack targeting a Triple Crown.

Key team news:

• Nick Timoney earns his first Six Nations start at openside flanker after impressing from the bench
• Jacob Stockdale returns to the left wing with James Lowe ruled out through injury
• Rónan Kelleher replaces Dan Sheehan at hooker as Farrell rotates his front row
• Tom O’Toole starts at loosehead prop with Jeremy Loughman rested
• Nathan Doak named on the bench and could win his first cap
• Five changes from the starting XV that thrashed England 42-21 at Twickenham

The 30-year-old Timoney has been one of the stories of this championship, making his Six Nations debut off the bench against France and scoring a try on his tournament bow. His elevation to the starting seven jersey sees Josh van der Flier drop to the replacements, while Jack Conan returns at blindside flanker after illness ruled him out against England. Captain Caelan Doris continues at number eight to complete a reshuffled back row.

The front row sees significant rotation with Tom O’Toole earning his first senior Test start at loosehead. The Ulster tighthead has been asked to cover the position in recent seasons and impressed off the bench in Ireland’s wins over Italy and England. Rónan Kelleher replaces Dan Sheehan at hooker, with Tom Stewart providing cover from the bench in what could be his Six Nations debut. Tadhg Furlong returns at tighthead after starting in the England victory.

James Ryan comes into the second row alongside Tadhg Beirne, with Joe McCarthy dropping to the replacements in another rotational decision from Farrell, who appears to have one eye on next weekend’s Triple Crown decider against Scotland.

The backline sees only one enforced change as Jacob Stockdale returns to the left wing with James Lowe ruled out for the remainder of the championship due to a groin injury sustained at Twickenham. Stockdale started the tournament opener against France but has been absent from the matchday 23 for the subsequent fixtures against Italy and England. His recall comes at the expense of Tommy O’Brien, whose impressive cameo in London is not enough to secure a starting berth.

Jack Crowley continues at fly-half after orchestrating Ireland’s record victory in London, partnering the in-form Jamison Gibson-Park at scrum-half. Stuart McCloskey and Garry Ringrose remain as the midfield partnership that has flourished throughout this campaign, while Jamie Osborne keeps the fullback jersey with Robert Baloucoune completing the back three on the right wing.

The bench has a distinctly Ulster flavour with uncapped scrum-half Nathan Doak named among the replacements after impressing during his time in camp. The 23-year-old could become the first Irish debutant since Edwin Edogbo against Italy if Farrell opts to introduce him. Munster centre Tom Farrell earns a place on the bench ahead of the returning Bundee Aki, who completed his three-match suspension for disrespectful conduct with match officials but must settle for a watching brief.

Ciaran Frawley provides fly-half cover as Ireland opt for a 5-3 split on the bench, retaining the configuration that served them well at Twickenham.

The visitors arrive in Dublin with three changes of their own, forced by injuries to fly-half Sam Costelow and flanker Taine Plumtree. Dan Edwards takes over at 10 while James Botham comes into the back row for his first start of the tournament. Louis Rees-Zammit remains the focal point of the Welsh attack alongside Josh Adams, with interim coach Steve Tandy seeking to build on his side’s encouraging display against Scotland.

For Ireland, victory would set up a Triple Crown decider against Scotland on the final weekend, while keeping alive the slim possibility of overhauling France in the championship standings. The reigning champions need a convincing bonus-point win to maintain any realistic title hopes, although Les Bleus remain heavy favourites to claim the trophy.

Ireland:

15. Jamie Osborne (Leinster, 12 caps)
14. Robert Baloucoune (Ulster, 5 caps)
13. Garry Ringrose (Leinster, 71 caps)
12. Stuart McCloskey (Ulster, 25 caps)
11. Jacob Stockdale (Ulster, 40 caps)
10. Jack Crowley (Munster, 31 caps)
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster, 47 caps)
1. Tom O’Toole (Ulster, 18 caps)
2. Rónan Kelleher (Leinster, 44 caps)
3. Tadhg Furlong (Leinster, 83 caps)
4. James Ryan (Leinster, 77 caps)
5. Tadhg Beirne (Munster, 66 caps)
6. Jack Conan (Leinster, 56 caps)
7. Nick Timoney (Ulster, 7 caps)
8. Caelan Doris (Leinster, 56 caps) – captain

Replacements:

16. Tom Stewart (Ulster, 5 caps)
17. Michael Milne (Munster, 3 caps)
18. Thomas Clarkson (Leinster, 11 caps)
19. Joe McCarthy (Leinster, 20 caps)
20. Josh van der Flier (Leinster, 76 caps)
21. Nathan Doak (Ulster, uncapped)
22. Tom Farrell (Munster, 3 caps)
23. Ciaran Frawley (Leinster, 10 caps)

Match details: Ireland v Wales, Aviva Stadium, Dublin. Friday 6 March, 8:10pm GMT. Live on RTÉ2 and ITV1.

Steve Borthwick has responded to England’s alarming Six Nations slump with the most radical selection overhaul in championship history, naming an entirely new backline and making nine personnel changes for Saturday’s clash with Italy at the Stadio Olimpico.

Key team news:

• Nine personnel changes – the most ever made by England between Six Nations matches
• Fin Smith returns at fly-half with George Ford dropped from the matchday 23 entirely
• Entirely new backline with no combination having played together at Test level
• Ben Earl wins his 50th cap at number eight
• Tommy Freeman moves from wing to outside centre; Seb Atkinson starts at inside centre
• Only Maro Itoje, Ellis Genge and Joe Heyes retain the same jerseys from the Ireland defeat

The dramatic shake-up represents the most changes ever made by England between Six Nations matches since the tournament expanded in 2000, surpassing the previous record of eight changes made by Brian Ashton before the 2007 victory over France following that year’s Croke Park humiliation.

Fin Smith returns at fly-half for his first start since the autumn, with George Ford dropped from the matchday 23 entirely after underwhelming performances in defeats to Scotland and Ireland. The 23-year-old Northampton playmaker, a British and Irish Lion, will marshal an entirely reshuffled backline in which not a single unit has previously played together at Test level.

“We’re expecting a big test in Rome and it’s one the players are really looking forward to,” said Borthwick. “We know the challenge Italy will bring at the Stadio Olimpico, and we’ve selected a team we believe will deliver the level of performance we’re striving for.”

Tommy Freeman is the sole survivor from the 42-21 defeat to Ireland but has been relocated from wing to outside centre, where he started the first two rounds before injury to Ollie Lawrence. Gloucester’s Seb Atkinson earns his third cap at inside centre, reuniting with Smith in a partnership that dates back to their days together at Worcester Warriors before the club’s collapse in 2022.

Elliot Daly returns at full-back, bringing 74 caps of experience to a back three completed by Tom Roebuck and Cadan Murley on the wings. Freddie Steward, who was replaced before half-time against Ireland as England fell 22-0 behind, has been dropped along with Henry Arundell and Fraser Dingwall.

Ben Spencer starts at scrum-half in place of the injured Alex Mitchell, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament with a hamstring problem. Lawrence is also unavailable due to a knee injury sustained against Ireland.

The forward pack sees three changes, with Jamie George returning at hooker in place of Luke Cowan-Dickie, whose set-piece struggles contributed to England’s line-out malfunction against Ireland. Alex Coles partners captain Maro Itoje in the second row, while Guy Pepper reclaims the blindside flanker jersey he occupied in the opening two rounds.

Ben Earl, who moves back to number eight with Tom Curry shifting to openside, will win his 50th cap for England. The Saracens forward made his debut against Scotland in 2020 and has established himself as one of England’s most consistent performers.

“To reach 50 caps for England speaks volumes about Ben’s professionalism and the consistency of his performances,” said Borthwick. “He’s an important leader within this group, someone who drives standards and brings energy every day. It’s a wonderful achievement and one he should be very proud of.”

Henry Pollock, who made his first Test start against Ireland, drops to the bench alongside the demoted Cowan-Dickie and Ollie Chessum. Marcus Smith provides cover at fly-half and full-back, with Jack van Poortvliet the reserve scrum-half.

The scale of the overhaul means only three players retain the same jerseys they wore against Ireland: captain Itoje, and props Ellis Genge and Joe Heyes. Borthwick was unequivocal about his reasons for wielding the axe so dramatically.

“All of us have been really disappointed with the performances in the last two games,” he said. “Clearly there are some key aspects that weren’t good enough. Those have been addressed.

“I say to the team that we have certain standards and I’m going to hold them to those standards. There are certain things that, to me, are unwavering. Things that I will not move upon. Unfortunately, in the last two games, on certain things, we’ve not met those standards.”

The wholesale changes represent a significant gamble for Borthwick, whose regime has come under increasing scrutiny following back-to-back defeats that ended England’s title aspirations. Across those two matches, England conceded 73 points and missed 53 tackles while collecting four yellow cards.

England men’s football manager Thomas Tuchel visited the squad’s Pennyhill Park training base on Tuesday, continuing a pattern of cross-sport engagement that has previously included conversations with Gareth Southgate and Brendon McCullum.

“Expectation comes with the territory when you’re involved with English sport,” said Borthwick. “I’d much rather be involved with the team with expectation than the one without. We live in a society now where there are these extremes, there is this polarity. I can’t do anything about what’s outside, but what I can do is about what’s inside.”

Italy have never beaten England in 32 previous meetings stretching back 35 years, but Gonzalo Quesada’s side may sense an opportunity against an experimental opposition still licking their wounds. The Azzurri opened their campaign with victory over Scotland and pushed both Ireland and France hard in narrow defeats.

A defeat in Rome would leave England facing a trip to Paris in the final round needing a major upset against Grand Slam-chasing France to avoid a single-win championship campaign.

England team to face Italy:

15. Elliot Daly (Saracens, 74 caps)
14. Tom Roebuck (Sale Sharks, 10 caps)
13. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 25 caps)
12. Seb Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby, 2 caps)
11. Cadan Murley (Harlequins, 4 caps)
10. Fin Smith (Northampton Saints, 14 caps)
9. Ben Spencer (Bath Rugby, 16 caps)
1. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 78 caps) – vice-captain
2. Jamie George (Saracens, 108 caps) – vice-captain
3. Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, 20 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 100 caps) – captain
5. Alex Coles (Northampton Saints, 17 caps)
6. Guy Pepper (Bath Rugby, 10 caps)
7. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 68 caps)
8. Ben Earl (Saracens, 49 caps)

Replacements:
16. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks, 56 caps)
17. Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks, 13 caps)
18. Trevor Davison (Northampton Saints, 6 caps)
19. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 33 caps)
20. Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 48 caps)
21. Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints, 8 caps)
22. Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers, 22 caps)
23. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 48 caps)

Match details: Italy v England, Stadio Olimpico, Rome. Saturday 7 March, 4.40pm GMT.

The third weekend of the 2026 Guinness Six Nations delivered the sort of drama that transforms championships. Ireland’s extraordinary dismantling of England at Twickenham sent shockwaves through the tournament, while Scotland’s nerve-shredding comeback in Cardiff and France’s workmanlike win over Italy reshaped the title race completely. What looked like a French procession now feels genuinely competitive, with Ireland roaring back into contention and Scotland refusing to fade quietly. England’s implosion raises existential questions about their direction, while Wales, despite heartbreak, finally showed glimpses of their fighting spirit returning. Here are six things we learned from a weekend that turned the championship on its head.

Ireland aren’t done yet – not by a long shot

Write off Andy Farrell’s Ireland at your peril. After looking pedestrian against France and unconvincing against Italy, the defending champions produced a performance for the ages at Twickenham, dismantling England 42-21 in what became their biggest ever away win over the old enemy. This wasn’t just a victory – it was a statement of intent from a team written off as yesterday’s men. Jamison Gibson-Park delivered a masterclass that recalled his very best form, Stuart McCloskey was a colossus in midfield, and the back three of Robert Baloucoune, Tommy O’Brien and Jamie Osborne tore England apart with pace and power. The critics who questioned whether Ireland’s older guard had anything left were emphatically silenced. Gibson-Park’s opportunist try set the tone, McCloskey’s incredible chase-down tackle on Marcus Smith epitomised the hunger, and the five-try haul showcased attacking verve that had been conspicuously absent in Paris. Jack Crowley’s 17-point haul should also settle the fly-half debate, at least temporarily. Yes, they’re still four points behind France, and yes, their title hopes may depend on unlikely favours from Scotland or England against Les Bleus. But this performance proved Ireland remain a force capable of beating anyone on their day. The class of 2023 isn’t finished – they’re just getting their second wind.

England’s crisis is real and Steve Borthwick is running out of answers

Two weeks ago, England were riding high on a 12-match winning streak and dreaming of Paris. Now they’re a team in freefall, their season in tatters after back-to-back humiliations. The 42-21 thrashing by Ireland – England’s joint-fourth heaviest home defeat – wasn’t an aberration, it was confirmation of a deeper malaise. The same problems that plagued them at Murrayfield resurfaced: dreadful starts (trailing 22-0 after 30 minutes), handling errors at crucial moments, a lineout that malfunctioned spectacularly (Luke Cowan-Dickie hooked before half-time), and a breakdown where they were repeatedly bullied. George Ford uncharacteristically missed touch twice from penalties, Henry Pollock endured a baptism of fire on his first start, and Maro Itoje’s 100th cap became a nightmare afternoon. Most worryingly, Borthwick appears to be flailing. His early first-half substitutions – Cowan-Dickie and Freddie Steward yanked before the break – reeked of panic rather than tactical nous. The question now isn’t whether England can win the championship (they can’t), but whether they can avoid further humiliation in Rome and Paris. With a tricky trip to Italy and a visit to rampant France still to come, Borthwick’s men face the very real prospect of a dismal 2-3 record. The pressure is mounting, the confidence is shot, and the tactical blueprint that served them so well through 12 wins suddenly looks threadbare. England entered the tournament as dark horses for the title. They’ll leave it with fundamental questions about their direction and their coach.

Scotland have discovered the art of winning ugly

For years, Scotland’s fatal flaw was their inability to grind out victories when not at their best. That narrative died in Cardiff. Trailing 20-5, then 23-12, against a resurgent Wales side, Gregor Townsend’s men showed remarkable composure and resilience to snatch a 26-23 victory that keeps their title hopes alive. This wasn’t the champagne rugby that demolished England at Murrayfield – it was attritional, nervy, and required every ounce of character Scotland could muster. But they found a way. Finn Russell’s tactical brilliance was again central, his quick restart catching Wales napping for Darcy Graham’s crucial try, but the real story was Scotland’s refusal to panic. Josh Bayliss made an instant impact off the bench, Rory Darge continued his outstanding tournament with crucial turnovers, and George Turner’s 75th-minute try from a driving maul showed they’d learned to win in multiple ways. This was Scotland’s fourth consecutive victory over Wales, their best run against the Welsh since the 1920s, and crucially, it came after the sort of slow start that would have derailed them in previous years. Winning when you’re playing poorly is the mark of championship contenders. Scotland still face the ultimate test – France at Murrayfield in a fortnight – but for the first time in years, they look like a team that won’t beat themselves. That’s progress, and it’s potentially transformative.

France are vulnerable when taken out of their comfort zone

For all their brilliance in demolishing Wales and Ireland, France laboured badly in Lille. The 33-8 scoreline against Italy looks comfortable enough, but for 70 minutes this was a genuine contest, with the Azzurri trailing just 19-8 and causing Les Bleus all manner of problems. Italy’s scrum dominated, their lineout disrupted French ball, and their defence held firm for long periods despite wave after wave of Gallic pressure. Only a late Louis Lynagh yellow card and two tries in the final ten minutes made the scoreline look flattering. The loss of Matthieu Jalibert to injury before kick-off forced Thomas Ramos to play fly-half, and while he contributed 16 points, France’s attack lacked its usual zip. More concerning was the lineout malfunction and scrum wobbles against an Italian pack that had already bullied Scotland and Ireland. Louis Bielle-Biarrey continues his record-breaking try-scoring streak (eight consecutive Six Nations matches), but this was the first time France have been genuinely troubled this tournament. With trips to Murrayfield and then hosting England to come, they can’t afford similar lapses. The 7-1 bench split that looked so powerful against Wales appeared a gamble here, with only one back (Baptiste Serin) available for cover. France remain overwhelming favourites for the title, but Italy’s spirited display proved they’re not invincible. Scotland will have taken note.

Italy are genuine contenders for a top-half finish

Forget the perennial whipping boys narrative – Gonzalo Quesada’s Italy are a serious proposition. After stunning Scotland in Rome and pushing Ireland to the brink in Dublin, they gave France everything they could handle in Lille despite the 33-8 final score. For an hour, Italy were in this game, trailing just 19-8 and causing France persistent problems at set-piece and breakdown. Their scrum won multiple penalties, Lorenzo Cannone (49 tackles in three games) was immense in defence, and Ange Capuozzo’s return from injury added attacking spark. The lineout remains a persistent issue – too many wayward throws cost them field position – but in Danilo Fischetti, Tommaso Menoncello and Paolo Garbisi, Italy possess genuine quality. They’ve now taken France to the wire, beaten Scotland, and lost narrowly to Ireland. With home games against England and Wales still to come, a third win is entirely possible. Italy finishing above England would have seemed farcical a month ago. It’s now a genuine possibility. The Azzurri have won four of their last six Six Nations matches and are no longer satisfied with moral victories. They’re hunting scalps, and with England arriving in Rome battered and bruised, another seismic upset could be on the cards.

Wales showed fight but moral victories won’t end the losing streak

For 75 minutes, Wales played with the intensity, organisation and belief that had been conspicuously absent in their opening drubbings. Tries from Rhys Carre and Josh Adams, combined with Sam Costelow’s excellent kicking, had them 20-5 and then 23-12 ahead against Scotland, playing with the sort of energy and purpose that suggested Steve Tandy’s methods might finally be taking root. The Principality Stadium crowd of 70,649 – vastly improved on last week’s embarrassment – sensed something special brewing. Then came the sucker punch: Finn Russell’s quick restart, Darcy Graham’s try, and George Turner’s late winner. Fourteen consecutive Six Nations defeats. Another agonising near-miss. Yet for all the heartbreak, this was progress. Wales dominated the breakdown through Alex Mann and James Botham, their scrum was excellent, and they took the game to Scotland rather than merely absorbing punishment. The problem is that moral victories don’t show up in the win column, and with Ireland visiting in two weeks, the wait for that elusive Six Nations win continues. Wales can take encouragement from this display, but only actual victories will ease the crisis engulfing their rugby. They’re running out of opportunities, and patience is wearing desperately thin among supporters who are voting with their feet. The next two home games – Ireland and Italy – will define whether this was a false dawn or genuine turning point.

Next up

Round four arrives after the fallow week with potentially title-defining encounters. Ireland host Wales in Dublin on Friday 6 March (kick-off 8pm), where Andy Farrell’s rejuvenated side will be overwhelming favourites against a Welsh team still winless but showing signs of improvement. The pressure will be on Ireland to rack up the points and keep pace with France. Saturday 7 March brings the weekend’s marquee fixture as France travel to Murrayfield to face Scotland in what could be the championship decider. Les Bleus need just a bonus-point win to secure the title, but Scotland have won three of their last four home matches against France and will be desperate to play spoiler. If Scotland win, the title race explodes wide open. The same afternoon, England must regroup for their trip to Rome to face an Italy side brimming with confidence and belief. After two consecutive hammerings, Borthwick’s men face the very real prospect of a third straight defeat that would leave their season in ruins. Based on current form, none of these results are foregone conclusions. Welcome to the most open Six Nations in years.