Aston to start, with Nowell providing a more destructive force in the second half when France are blowing, could work very well. Plus it means that Eddie is shuffling his deck each game because its tactical and not enforced. The team we watch will be different to the team we play against Italy that's for sure.

Massively important that George and Lawes steps up in the line out, especially with no Itoje to throw to, and perhaps another reason to bring an old head like Cole back into the forwards.

It should be a cracker and another opportunity for England to repay the favour France did to them last year.

Match of the weekend however must be Scotland Vs Ireland. Will we see the Scottish thistle actually deliver on its promise and bloom, or will Ireland demonstrate that last week was just a short break in normal service. It will be close and very dependant upon how Connor Murray and Sexton play. One thing for certain is the ref is going to have to listen to a lot a whining from both sides, but Laidlaw must top the ranking for "get in the refs ear" - personally I would like to see players binned for this more often.


As for Wales/Italy, if the Italians can keep the penality count down and their heads, then they might just prevent Wales getting a bonus point.

Closer to home, my son has a Colts match against Devizes tonight. Scary stuff.