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RBS 6 Nations preview: Ireland's Italian job, England and Wales set for crunch clash, Scots eye overdue defeat of France

Yahoo Sport's Emma Thurston looks ahead to this weekend's fourth round of matches with England and Wales meeting at Twickenham to effectively decide the title

Every single has match this weekend has plenty riding upon it. In Dublin both Ireland and Italy will be going in search of their first victories of the tournament while at the BT Sport Murrayfield Stadium, Scotland have a chance to gain a memorable result over France.

And at Twickenham Stadium one of England or Wales will continue on course to take the Championship title, with only England able to complete a grand slam and triple crown.

Ireland v Italy

Ireland’s RBS 6 Nations hasn’t gone to plan: They headed into the tournament without key leaders and then lost others during the opening rounds. As a result their resources have been stretched but they should have enough experience to take this Round 4 fixture.

Conor Murray and Jonathan Sexton are world class half-backs and on familiar turf I expect them to control the game with assurance. To date Italy’s performances have been much more promising than we expected, fuelled by Sergio Parisse's continuing mesmeric reign at Number 8 and Michele Campaganro’s output in the centre.

Ireland skipper Rory Best and Italy captain Sergio Parisse
Ireland skipper Rory Best and Italy captain Sergio Parisse

However, defensively they’ve a spot of work to do with the poorest tackle success rate in the tournament - 86% - and on home soil Ireland should exploit that. Personally, I can see the match panning out in the same manner as England’s trip to Rome - a spirited Italian opening is then the worn down in the final quarter.

Ireland haven’t lost at the Aviva Stadium in the RBS 6 Nations tournament since 2013 and Italy have won just one of their last 21 fixtures with the Joe Schmidt’s side.

England v Wales

It is fair to say that Saturday’s match between England and Wales is likely to be the most intense of the weekend.

One has revenge, a Triple Crown and then potentially a Grand Slam at stake while the other has the prospect beating their most hated rivals at ‘fortress’ Twickenham, thwarting their rivals’ 6 Nations aspirations and going for the title themselves.

So far Wales have delivered largely to expectations; they’re settled, powerful and content with how they are playing rugby and their selection reflects that. England have developed game on game and are progressing better than many thought that they would be.

England skipper Dyaln Hartley and Wales captain Sam Warburton
England skipper Dyaln Hartley and Wales captain Sam Warburton

With the personnel on display there’s so much to consider, from the battle for setpiece dominance to the presence of the tournament’s leading Number 8s Taulupe Faletau and Billy Vuniopla.

Manu Tuilagi’s introduction could be England’s trump card, but only if they’re in the right position come 60 minutes while for Wales Rhys Webb offers them another dimension.

The short and sweet summary is that this will be a physical and emotionally charged Test match and it has the potential to be the best game of the entire tournament.

Scotland v France

Scotland’s victory against Italy wasn’t a walk in the park, it took guts and heart and within it were some pleasing aspects to Scots' game.

First, their scrummage was excellent and that level of dominance will need to be replicated against France this weekend.

Second, Scotland’s back-row led the charge with their work rate and output and the breakdown will be another area of vital importance.

Scotland skipper Greig Laidlaw and France counterpart Guilhem Guirado
Scotland skipper Greig Laidlaw and France counterpart Guilhem Guirado

In contrast, France’s loss at the Principality Stadium exposed their weaknesses. Guy Noves’ side were all at sea in attack and if they are to progress in the tournament must have addressed some of their attacking issues over the past two weeks.

Scotland haven’t beaten France for 10 years but with Les Bleus’ shaky opening rounds and the fact that the home side are heading into the match off the back of a victory this is the perfect opportunity to change that record.