England-France no longer the only game in town

England against France has been the key fixture of the Six Nations over the past decade but tomorrow's Twickenham clash between the winners of nine of the last 10 editions is in danger of being a sideshow.

After the world champions lost to Wales and the Six Nations holders scraped past Scotland last week, Ireland's title credentials look more impressive and their game against Scotland at Murrayfield now carries extra resonance.

So too in Rome where Wales play Italy looking for what in recent seasons have become rare back-to-back wins amid whispers of a possible first Welsh title for 11 years.

After the low-quality, high-tension nature of the opening weekend's games, predictions for the second round are as reliable as the Millennium Stadium turf.

What is certain, however, is that England and France can only improve and both coaches have reacted to their dire displays with major changes.

Bernard Laporte recalled Dimitri Yachvili for Pierre Mignoni at scrumhalf along with five other changes to the team who came from 9-0 down to beat Scotland 16-9 last Saturday.

One of them, the return of flanker Serge Betsen, is a huge boost and the scourge of the world's halfbacks will put real pressure on England's reshaped backline.

Andy Robinson, frustrated and confused by his side's toothless display in losing 11-9 to Wales, has dumped teenage centre Mathew Tait and World Cup-winning scrumhalf Matt Dawson.

France have not won at Twickenham since 1997.

Ireland face an anxious few hours to discover whether centre duo Brian O'Driscoll and Gordon D'Arcy will recover from hamstring strains in time for today's Murrayfield game.

Unsurprisingly, after their most encouraging performance for several years, Scotland are unchanged.

Wales too will send out the same starting XV who secured their first Cardiff victory over England for 12 years.

"It is a good feeling to be able to ask the same personnel to just go out there and do it again," said their coach Mike Ruddock.

Playing Today
Italy vs Wales 2.30 p.m.
Scotland vs Ireland 5 p.m.

Tomorrow
England vs France 4 p.m.