Preview: Round 2 brings the heat after electric start to Women’s Championship

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The opening round of matches in the 2020 Women’s Six Nations Championship last weekend did not fail to disappoint with all three games decided by the finest of margins.

After an exciting first weekend, Round 2 begins with Italy travelling to France on Saturday, while Scotland welcome England and Ireland host Wales in Sunday’s two games.

Here’s the low down as we head into week two of the tournament.

France v Italy

In Saturday’s sole match, Italy travel to Limoges full of confidence following their excellent opening-round victory away at Wales but will be wary of the threat that a wounded France will bring after their defeat to England.

History may sway les Bleues’ way but Italy have happy recent memories of facing France after beating them 31-12 in last season’s Championship.

On that day two late tries from Beatrice Rigoni and Manuela Furlan helped seal a memorable win as they finished above France in the final standings for the first time in their history.

A repeat victory at the Stade Beaublanc this weekend will be a test but if Andrea Di Giandomenico’s team fire on all cylinders like they did 12 months ago, they could have their eyes on more than a runners-up spot this time around.

Until the final quarter against England in Round 1, France were in the game and Annick Hayraud will hope they can put in a full 80-minute performance against Le Azzurre on Saturday.

Scotland v England 

The Red Roses began the defence of their Women’s Six Nations trophy in fine style with a hard-fought away win in France.

An inspired Emily Scarratt display was integral to England’s triumph last weekend but a trip to Glasgow against the Auld Enemy will provide Scarratt and her side with plenty of food for thought.

Scarratt, who turns 30 the day before the game, admitted defending the trophy has been made “a lot tougher” due to England travelling away from home three times but insists the race to become the first side to win back-to-back titles since 2012 is “back on”.

A big part of their charge to a second successive Championship is the form of Abby Dow, who registered her 12th try in her last 11 games against France.

Scotland have failed to beat England at home since 1998 but will be hoping Scotstoun Stadium will help eradicate the demons from last season’s 80-0 defeat at Twickenham.

The hosts have won only three of their previous 16 games in the Championship but a late Emma Wassell try against Ireland in Round 1 did ensure a losing bonus point for Philip Doyle’s side.

Ireland v Wales

Ireland women head coach Adam Griggs described his team’s Round 1 18-14 win over Scotland as “ugly” and “relieving” as they seek a first 2020 Women’s Six Nations title in five years.

Ireland were on the receiving end of a 24-15 defeat in the reverse fixture last season in Cardiff and should expect a fiery Wales side to arrive in Dublin seeking an immediate bounce back from last week’s 15-19 home defeat to Italy.

Despite the loss, Wales captain Siwan Lillicrap remained positive afterwards and believes that there’s “nothing that can’t be fixed” ahead of the Ireland clash.

“We know we’re capable of more and so we’re excited to take to the training field this week and put things right against Ireland on Sunday,” said Lillicrap.

While Wales have lost both of their previous visits to Donnybrook, they did manage to upset Ireland on their patch at the Women’s Rugby World Cup three years ago, winning 27-18 in Belfast.

The post Preview: Round 2 brings the heat after electric start to Women’s Championship appeared first on Six Nations Rugby.

Source: 6 Nations

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