Six Nations 22 and 23 Feb 2025

Six Nations Matches this Weekend (Feb 22–23, 2025)

Freetips staff

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Last updated: 21 Feb 2025

Freetips staff 21 Feb 2025

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Six Nations returns with Round 3 matches after a break.
Ireland aims for the Triple Crown against Wales.
France seeks redemption against an improving Italy.

Maro Itoje of England wins the ball in the lineout against Oscar Jegou of France during the Guinness Six Nations 2025 match between England and France at Twickenham Stadium on February 08, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

The Six Nations returns this weekend after a one-week break, with three exciting match-ups in Round 3.

How to Watch the 6 Nations
Wales vs Ireland (Saturday 2:15 PM GMT, Cardiff)
England vs Scotland (Saturday 4:45 PM GMT, London)
Italy vs France (Sunday 3:00 PM GMT, Rome)

Ireland are the only undefeated team so far (2 wins from 2) and remain on course for a Grand Slam, while the chasing pack is tightly bunched after surprise victories by England and Italy in the last round. Fans can expect a fascinating third round as the championship resumes on Saturday, featuring a Triple Crown opportunity for Ireland, a classic Calcutta Cup rivalry in London, and an Italy side brimming with confidence hosting France

How to Watch the 6 Nations

Below is a summary of this weekend’s Six Nations fixtures, including kick-off times, venues, key storylines, and where to watch in the UK and US:


Date & Time (GMT)	Fixture	Venue	Key Storyline	TV Coverage (UK / US)
Sat Feb 22, 2:15 PM	Wales vs Ireland	Principality Stadium, Cardiff	Ireland chase Triple Crown; Wales aim to end 14-game losing run	UK: BBC One / US: Peacock
Sat Feb 22, 4:45 PM	England vs Scotland	Twickenham Stadium, London	Calcutta Cup clash; fierce old rivalry	UK: ITV1 / US: Peacock



Sun Feb 23, 3:00 PM	Italy vs France	Stadio Olimpico, Rome	France look to bounce back; Italy riding momentum	UK: ITV1 / US: Peacock

Wales vs Ireland (Saturday 2:15 PM GMT, Cardiff)

Wales host Ireland in Cardiff to kick off the weekend’s action. On paper, it’s a meeting of two teams at opposite ends of the form table. Ireland enter Round 3 atop the standings, having won their opening two matches. They have shown a balanced game plan, with a solid defense and clinical attack. A victory here would secure them the Triple Crown, having already beaten England and Scotland, and keep their hopes of a Grand Slam alive.

Wales, in contrast, have struggled. They sit at the bottom of the table after two bruising defeats and are desperate to halt their losing streak. A coaching shake-up took place after their most recent loss, so there may be an element of the unknown in terms of game plan and player selections. Wales will aim to feed off the energy of a passionate home crowd, but they must greatly reduce errors and improve their attack if they are to challenge the in-form Irish.

Tactical outlook: Ireland will look to impose their structured game early. Their pack has been dominant at set-piece and the breakdown, providing quality possession to a backline that can punish any mistakes. Wales, meanwhile, need a fast start to build confidence. They may try to use tactical kicking to pin Ireland back and disrupt their rhythm. Discipline will be critical—conceding too many penalties could prove costly.

Key Players to Watch:

Wales:

Jac Morgan – The captain in the back row will lead by example, tackling relentlessly and contesting every breakdown.
Louis Rees-Zammit – His electric pace remains a threat on counter-attacks; Wales will hope he sees plenty of open field.

Ireland:

Josh van der Flier – A tireless flanker with a knack for turnovers, he links play on both sides of the ball.
Hugo Keenan – A full-back whose positioning and calm decision-making are critical in handling the kicking game and launching counter-attacks.

Predictions
Wales vs Ireland: Ireland, undefeated thus far, carry a strong advantage and should maintain their winning streak. Wales may bring fresh energy under new leadership, but Ireland appear well-drilled in all aspects and look likely to secure the Triple Crown.

England vs Scotland (Saturday 4:45 PM GMT, London)

The second Saturday fixture is the storied Calcutta Cup clash between England and Scotland at Twickenham. Scotland have enjoyed a remarkable run in this rivalry over the last few years, winning four straight encounters against their auld enemy. Led by the creative fly-half Finn Russell, Scotland’s attacking style can overwhelm defenses when it clicks.

England, however, come off a morale-boosting win in their last outing. They showed resilience and attacking flair, securing victory in a dramatic finish. Steve Borthwick’s side will be determined to end Scotland’s recent dominance and restore some pride at Twickenham. Expect a physical battle up front, with England leaning on their set-piece strength and structured phase play.

Tactical outlook: Scotland aim to play at high tempo, using quick ball and wide passing to stretch England’s defense. England may look to slow the game down and control possession through powerful forward carries and a territorial kicking approach. Discipline and accuracy will be vital for both sides, as a few key moments could shape the result in a typically tight Calcutta Cup match.

Key Players to Watch:

England:

Maro Itoje – A talismanic lock who dominates lineouts and disrupts opposition ball.
Owen Farrell – Provides leadership and accurate goal-kicking, crucial for keeping the scoreboard ticking.

Scotland:

Finn Russell – A playmaking fly-half capable of unlocking defenses with his vision and passing range.
Duhan van der Merwe – A giant winger who can break tackles and score from almost anywhere on the pitch.

Predictions
A tightly poised Calcutta Cup meeting. England’s home advantage and recent momentum might just edge it, but Scotland’s successful record in this rivalry cannot be dismissed. Expect a tense battle, with the result potentially decided in the final stages.

Italy vs France (Sunday 3:00 PM GMT, Rome)

Sunday’s fixture sees Italy hosting France at the Stadio Olimpico. Although France entered the tournament as favorites, they stumbled in their last match and will be determined to return to winning ways. With a highly skilled squad and a dynamic attacking game, France will be eager to make a statement and keep their championship hopes alive.

Italy, fresh off a confidence-boosting victory, are showing genuine progress. They have demonstrated improved game management and competitive spirit. However, France typically present a much tougher challenge in both physicality and skill. Still, playing in Rome could bolster Italy’s resilience, and if they can hold firm in the early stages, they may create scoring opportunities through counter-attacks and kicking interplay.

Tactical outlook: Italy will seek to stifle France’s flow by contesting every breakdown and maintaining defensive discipline. They will also look for turnover chances to launch quick counters through their dangerous backs. France are likely to rely on strong forward carries to generate quick ball, with Antoine Dupont controlling the pace from scrum-half and setting the stage for backs like Damian Penaud out wide.

Key Players to Watch:

Italy:

Ange Capuozzo – A gifted full-back whose pace and creativity can spark the Italian offense.
Paolo Garbisi – The fly-half who directs play, blends tactical kicking with incisive passing, and remains vital to Italy’s attacking shape.

France:

Antoine Dupont – Often deemed one of the best scrum-halves in the world, he dictates the tempo and marshals the forwards effectively.
Damian Penaud – A lethal finisher on the wing, known for his aerial skills and ability to find space.

Predictions

France remain the stronger side on paper and will aim to reignite their title ambitions by picking up maximum points in Rome. Italy have shown improvement and could make it competitive for parts of the match, but France’s depth and attacking firepower may prove decisive in the end.