TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND: 8-9 February

08.02.2014
Wales v Ireland in Dublin (6 Nations International Championship)
England v Scotland at Murrayfield (Calcutta Cup; 6 Nations Int. Championship)
Romania v Russia in Krasnodar (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1A)
Georgia v Portugal in Lisbon (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1A)
Belgium v Spain in Madrid (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1A)

09.02.2014
Italy v France in Paris (Garibaldi Trophy; 6 Nations International Championship)

Briefly
The feature test match this weekend is that between Wales and Ireland. Both won their opening round matches last weekend. Ireland were convincing against Scotland whilst Wales, although struggled against Italy, won and kept alive the hope of yet another 6 Nations title.

In the other 6 nations matches England and Scotland tussle for the Calcutta Cup, always a special game despite Scotland’s poor showing so far this season. For this game Scotland always rises to the occasion especially when it is at Murrayfield.

France and Italy clash in Paris on Sunday. The French will out for revenge against a side who defeated them last year.

Belgium and Spain clash in what is seen as the relegation decider for the 2012-14 ENC 1A competition. Romania and Russia clash at the other end of the points table. This contest could well decide which team gets the second place in the competition and an automatic place in the 2015 Rugby World Cup, with third place having the battle in the repechage playoffs. Georgia and Portugal go head-to-head in the other game.