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Express Sport brings you the latest news ahead of this weekend’s Six Nations matches (Image: GETTY)
We are heading into the business end of the with just two rounds left to play, starting with three exciting fixtures taking place this weekend. The pick of the bunch will see host France in a potential title decider at the Aviva Stadium. The hosts are chasing a historic three-peat and will keep their Grand Slam hopes alive and kicking with an important victory in Dublin.
, meanwhile, will take on struggling before look to maintain their perfect record against Italy on Sunday. ‘s side have been boosted by the return of four injured players with Ben Earl, Tom Curry, Tom Willis and Ollie Lawrence all being cleared to play. England have already tasted defeat at the hands of Ireland but could still end up with four wins for the first time since 2020, when they lifted the trophy under Eddie Jones.
Express Sport rounds up the latest Six Nations news…
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France make complaint to World Rugby
France are seeking clarification from World Rugby over its handing down of suspensions to Romain Ntamack and Ireland centre Garry Ringrose.
Ntamack was forced to miss their games with England and Italy due to his red card in the opener against Wales.
Ringrose, meanwhile, may only miss one game after being sent off at the Principality Stadium last month.
The initial three-match ban included Leinster’s victory over Cardiff on the weekend, with Ringrose also not allowed to play in this weekend’s game against France.
However, he could be available to face Italy in the final round if he completes World Rugby’s coaching intervention programme to reduce his ban to two matches.
FFR vice-president Jean-Marc Lhermet said: “The two cases seemed very comparable to us. This is why we contacted World Rugby for a request for explanations.
“We need to be enlightened as to what could have motivated such a difference.
“What we see, looking back, is that Garry Ringrose never played for his province in these matches during the Six Nations tournament.
“With the information at our disposal, nothing suggests that this would have been the case this time. That is why we have made a request for explanations.”
Steve Borthwick attacked by England legend
England icon Brian Moore has accused Steve Borthwick of potentially costing Marcus Smith a place in this year’s British and Irish Lions squad.
He believes Sam Prendergast is the standout choice to start at fly-half, with Finn Russell, Jack Crowley and Fin Smith among the other candidates.
In his column, Moore wrote: “You could simplify it to: ‘Steve Borthwick costs Marcus Smith a Lions place’ – a harsh but technically true viewpoint when you consider the following.
“Before the tournament started, based on past performances and the form shown in the most recent Autumn international series, most people would have had Smith as one of the three fly-half choices, with an outside possibility of him starting over Finn Russell.
“There was no consensus over Sam Prendergast, Jack Crowley and Fin Smith, who most thought would scrap it out for the third No 10 slot.
“If it turns out that Ireland win a slam and England take second place, there is a good chance that Marcus Smith – now England’s full-back – might lose out altogether, with both Prendergast and Fin Smith being taken Down Under.”
Steve Borthwick has been accused of costing Marcus Smith a Lions call-up (Image: GETTY)
Good morning
Hello and welcome to Express Sport’s rolling coverage of the latest Six Nations news.
We’ll be on hand throughout the day to round up the biggest stories ahead of this weekend’s fixtures.
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