Scotland vs. Italy Preview
Scotland’s Andy Robinson will have a completely new back three against Italy in the RBS 6 Nations on Saturday. Record points and appearance holder Chris Paterson, Thom Evans and Rory Lamont are out as a result of the unfortunate match against Wales. Replacements include Stade Francais at the side, full-back Hugo Southwell and Ulster winger Simon Danielli. Sean Lamont will move from the wing to the center. Max Evans will share the opening-round center partnership with Graeme Morrison. Allan Jacobsen is likely to play over Alasdair Dickinson. Nathan Hines and flanker Alasdair Strokosch are both back after injury. Captain Chris Cusiter and Southwell will earn their 50th caps.
England vs. Ireland Preview
After winning their first two RBS 6 Nations matches, England squares off against Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday. England defeated Wales at home and Italy away. The team was criticized in Rome for being too cautious when fly-half Jonny Wilkinson struggled with his goal-kicking. Former England captain Jason Robinson said England has been too conservative and thinks it’s time to give players like Northampton full-back Ben Folden a go.
“Most people say there’s a lack of vision and England is not really playing,” Robinson said. “England will be happy that it’s won two from two, that is a positive, but I think we just all want to see England really go out and play.”
On the Irish side, Geordan Murphy has been included in the 32-man roster for the match against England. Murphy, age 31, has not played for Ireland since the Grand Slam win against Wales last March. He has been restricted to only three Guinness Premiership appearances for Leicester since dislocating his shoulder last September. He did well in the 33-11 domination of Gloucester and was drafted in to replace Rob Kearney, who suffered a knee injury and is out 3-5 weeks.