Six Nations 2024 round one preview

The 2024 Six Nations gets underway this week with a mammoth showdown to kick things off on Friday night. Defending Grand Slam champions Ireland travel for a huge clash with France in Marseille. The match is taking place at the Stade Velodrome amid renovation work on the Stade de France. The round one action continues on Saturday afternoon as Italy host England in Rome. Steve Borthwick is without Owen Farrell and the injured Marcus Smith at the Stadio Olimpico.Jamie George captains England after being named as Farrell's successor before the tournamentThe Azzurri are now under the tutelage of former Argentina fly-half Gonzalo Quesada. Opening weekend concludes in Cardiff, where Wales play host to Scotland on Saturday evening. Wales are still reeling from Louis Rees-Zammit's decision to quit rugby for American football