Who is popular today?

Six Nations updates from the 2.15pm GMT kick-off
Robert Kitson: key areas to watch in Six Nations crunch
And feel free to email Luke or send him a tweet

12.28pm GMT
Scotland and Italy have both lost more than they’ve won so far in this Six Nations, but that is where the similarities end. After a rousing opening win against England, Gregor Townsend’s team have suffered two narrow defeats, by a single point to grand-slam chasing Wales and by three points against Ireland last week. The margins have been small, the performances have largely been encouraging, and Scotland could still finish second overall if they defeat Italy today and France next week. Such a result would justify the optimism that blossomed after the win at Twickenham, but as for today, anything other than victory is unthinkable. The nature of it, and the quality of the rugby they play with the captain Stuart Hogg starting at fly-half, will be the test.
Italy, on the other hand, are going nowhere fast. Four defeats and a points difference of -142 in this year’s tournament suggests it might be time to let someone else have a go, but if there is a positive for Italy to cling to, it’s that their previous Six Nations victory came in Edinburgh. The problem is that was six years ago, and they are now on a 31-match losing streak in the competition. The coach Franco Smith speaks of development, and of positive work during the week in training, but a big performance is required to prove they belong. Let’s hope they prove the doubters wrong and make a game of it this afternoon. Team news, pre-match reading and more coming up. Continue reading...