Jonny Sexton is out of the Six Nations clash against France, with Joey Carbery taking his place.
Sexton suffered a hamstring strain in training on Wednesday, its severity is not yet known.
France vs Ireland
Joey Carbery who is replacing Sexton, 26, started on the bench in their 29-7 win against Wales.
He has not started a game since suffering a fractured elbow against Wasps in December.
This means Ireland will have 12 of the XV that beat New Zealand in the Autumn
Also, France have 14 of the XV that beat New Zealand in the Autumn.
Playing France in Paris will be Ireland’s toughest test of the tournament especially as Jonny Sexton is out.
But after their success against the All Blacks and their routine win last week, Ireland will still fancy their chances.
France have been forced into two changes themselves.
Both of these sides beat New Zealand in the Autumn and this game could very well decide where the Six Nations ends up.
France Ins: Yoram Moefana, Francois Cros.
France Outs: Jonathon Danty, Dylan Cretin.
Ireland Ins: Joey Carbery.
Ireland Outs: Jonny Sexton.
Wales vs Scotland
On Saturday, Scotland face Wales in Cardiff.
Scotland will feel they need to beat Wales to give themselves a chance to win the Six Nations.
However, Scotland has not won at the Principality in twenty years.
They will be confident they can end that voodoo after beating England in their opening game.
Gregor Townsend has made five changes to the side that won their opening game,
Scotland will field a new front row with Pierre Shoemann, Stuart McInally and WP Nel coming into the side.
However, Wales have made four changes of their own.
For the holders a loss on saturday could make for a miserable Six Nations showing for the current holders.
Last year Wales were an 80’ minute Brice Dulin try away from a Grand Slam and yet this year could be out of the running after two weeks.
Wales Ins: Ross Moriaty, Jac Morgan, Jack Cuthbert, Owen Watkin.
Wales Outs: Aaron Wainwright, Ellis Jenkins, Jonny McNicholl, Josh Adams.
Scotland Ins: Pierre Shoemann, Stuart McInally, WP Nel, Sam Skinner, Sione Tuipulotu.
Scotland Outs: Rory Sutherland, George Turner, Zander Fagerson, Jamie Ritchie, Sam Johnson.
Italy vs England
In the final game of the weekend England face Italy in Rome.
England have made eight changes to the side that lost to Scotland on the opening weekend.
Coach Eddie Jones will feel hard done by after Luke Cowan-Dickie’s error lead to Scotland tying the game up at 17-17.
Jones will be hoping his team put up a big score on Sunday.
Italy on the other hand will hope to get their first ever win against England.
They have made three changes themselves.
Tommaso Menoncello who scored Italy’s only try last week and was the youngest try scorer ever (19y 170d old) in the Six Nations, drops out the matchday squad.
Italy have been slowly improving as they look to end their 33 game Six Nations winless run.
It is unlikely it ends in Rome but there are signs they are on the up.
England Ins: Harry Randall, Jack Nowell, Jamie George, Will Stuart, Alex Dombrandt, Charlie Ewels.
England Outs: Cowan-Dickie, Ben Youngs, Elliot Daly, Sam Simmonds, Lewis Ludlham, Kyle Sinckler.
Italy Ins: Federico Mori, Pietro Ceccarelli, Braam Steyn.
Italy Outs: Tommaso Menoncello, Tizano Pasquali, Sebastian Negri.
(featured pic under creative commons by Copyright: Fanny Schertzer)
