Six Nations 2014 Fixtures: Breaking Down Opening Weekend’s Matchups

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: January 29, 2014

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The 2014 Six Nations tournament kicks off this weekend with a wealth of questions waiting to be answered by Europe's titans through the only means they know how.

Though we won't find out the answers after just one round, the opening three matches promise to go some way in giving supporters a sense of exactly who will rise and who will fall over the coming seven weeks. 

Wales, France and Ireland serve as hosts in their opening clashes, with a full preview of the first batch of clashes detailed ahead.



 

Wales vs. Italy

With Sam Warburton settling for a place on the bench this Saturday before his return to full fitness, Alun-Wyn Jones has been named as Warren Gatland's captain for the visit of Italy this weekend.



Jacques Brunel's side might have a reputation for posing little threat to the Six Nations' bigger powers, but the opening win over France 12 months ago served as reason to believe that the Azzurri are finally edging closer to the level of their fellow Tier 1 rivals.



Wales don't have too much to contend with by way of injury absences, although Rhys Patchell, Ryan Jones and the suspended Ian Evans will all be missed at the Millennium Stadium.

That being said, Wales still boast a star-studded line-up, which, despite maintaining their characteristically below-par winning record in the November internationals, is capable of becoming the first team ever to win the Six Nations three years running.

The Western Mail's Simon Thomas points to Italy's poor away record as evidence to believe their hopes aren't looking good this weekend:



Italy will strive to scrap and spoil matters in the Welsh back line most of all. Scott Williams and Jamie Roberts are both capable of mustering their moments of magic, while the trio of George North, Alex Cuthbert and Leigh Halfpenny also promise to run rio...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Rugby Union

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