Rugby’s Greatest Championship is up and running and with the first weekend done and dusted, attention has already turned to Round 2 and the much-anticipated team announcements.
Ireland opened their campaign in ruthless fashion, with a commanding 34-10 win over Wales as World Rugby Men’s Player of the Year Josh van der Flier scored to clinch a bonus-point try late on.
That was followed by a brilliant Calcutta Cup clash as Scotland continued their recent dominance over England, with yet another famous Twickenham win as Duhan van der Merwe starred in their 29-23 victory.
A memorable weekend finished in Rome as France held off Italy 29-24 to secure a record 14th straight victory, starting the defence of their title with a nervy but crucial win.
This weekend sees two of the favourites go head-to-head as Ireland welcome France while Wales travel to Edinburgh and England take on Italy at Twickenham.
With that in mind, Thursday and Friday will be important days this week as the sides name their matchday squads for the weekend. Find out all the key details below.
THURSDAY
First up to name their team for this week are France, who will reveal their XV for a mouth-watering trip to Dublin at 11.00am on Thursday.
It was a testing trip to Italy on Sunday and with just a six-day turnaround for the Ireland clash, there could be some changes on the way from Fabien Galthié.
Les Bleus, who have stayed in Rome rather than flying back home, have no fresh injury concerns.
Ireland will be naming their XV a little later in the day, with Andy Farrell poised to name his team from 4.00pm.
There may be a few more selection dilemmas for Farrell, with Jamison Gibson-Park and Cian Healy, who were both late withdrawals from the Wales game due to hamstring injuries, ruled out of contention for the France game.
Farrell will also be sweating on the condition of Johnny Sexton, who will complete the HIA process on Monday afternoon.
Meanwhile, prop Tadhg Furlong is rehabbing a calf issue and is not being considered for selection this week.
Saturday’s other game sees Wales travel to Scotland. Wales endured a tough start to their year against Ireland and Warren Gatland’s side will be looking for an instant response when they venture north in Round 2.
They are expected to name their team for the second weekend of the Championship at 12.00pm on Thursday. That said, Gatland may reveal his side as early as Tuesday, just as he did ahead of the Ireland fixture.
The Kiwi could look to freshen up his side, especially in the pack, where they were overwhelmed by Ireland in the opening 40 minutes in Cardiff.
Tommy Reffell may be considered as an alternative in the back row, while at least one of Rhys Davies, Dafydd Jenkins and Christ Tshiunza are expected to start in the engine room with Alun Wyn Jones having failed a head injury assessment.
Opponents Scotland will also announce their team on Thursday, with Gregor Townsend expected to make few changes, if any, after conquering England.
Flanker Jack Dempsey looked sharp off the replacements bench but sitting out either one of Luke Crosbie or Jamie Ritchie would be a tough call. Tighthead prop Zander Fagerson, who was not fit for the Twickenham clash, is expected to be fit and may well come back in.
Townsend will be desperate for Scotland to follow up their opening day victory with a result against Wales and will show his hand for that clash prior to a press conference at 2.00pm.
FRIDAY
Smarting from their defeat to Scotland in Round 1, England will know they need to get back to winning ways immediately ahead of a tricky-looking end to the Championship.
England have lost their Round 1 fixture in each of the last four years and face an Italy side who will be desperate to compound their latest slow start and secure a first ever win at Twickenham.
Henry Arundell and Henry Slade may be in line for a recall for the hosts after returning from injury, while this clash has come a little too early on the comeback trail for Azzurri fly-half Paolo Garbisi, who is not expected to be back until Round 3 at the earliest.
Steve Borthwick will name his team at 3.00pm on Friday, while Kieran Crowley is expected to confirm his selection a little earlier in the day at a time yet to be decided – likely to be around 12.00pm.
