Scotland
With star players Stuart Hogg, Jonny Gray and Finn Russell all returning to the fold, this is the most talented Scotland side since the turn of the century
There was a sense of ‘what next?’ when Scotland bowed out of the 2019 World Cup in the group stages. Gregor Townsend, who masterminded Glasgow Warriors’ renaissance, was not fulfilling his potential as Scotland head coach. There had been baby steps in changing Scotland’s attacking DNA, but few huge strides. Progress in the last year of international rugby has been hampered by a spate of injuries. However, with star players Stuart Hogg, Jonny Gray and Finn Russell all returning to the fold, this is the most talented Scotland side since the turn of the century. Expect fireworks in the Calcutta Cup, and the Scots to give the Auld Enemy a run for their money.
The Scottish Rugby Union has backed its players who did not kneel before the Six Nations win over England, insisting it supports the fight against racism.
Eddie Jones admitted chastened England will never come to terms with an 11-6 defeat by Scotland that has put an early dent in their Guinness Six Nations title defence.
Six Nations 2021: Second would be progress for Ireland during period of positive transition - Ward
Last updated on
5 February 20215 February 2021.From the section Irish Rugby
James Lowe celebrates with team-mates after scoring a try in Ireland s Autumn Nations Cup win over Wales
Six Nations 2021: Wales v Ireland
Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
Coverage: Live on BBC One, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru, BBC iPlayer & Radio 5 Live Sports Extra, BBC Radio Ulster, BBC Sport website and app, S4C. Highlights, Scrum V, BBC Two Wales from 19:00 GMT on Sunday
Former Ireland fly-half Tony Ward says he is hoping to see signs of progress and positive transition in Andy Farrell s side s Six Nations campaign.