The 17th edition of the Six Nations begins on Saturday with France and Italy opening up proceedings in the first game on Saturday in Paris. New
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The 17th edition of the Six Nations begins on Saturday with France and Italy opening up proceedings in the first game on Saturday in Paris.
New France coach Guy Noves has brought in four debutants in a new look team that includes Sevens stalwart Virimi Vakatawa.
Scrum-half Sebastien Bezy, fly-half Jules Plisson, centre Jonathan Danty and lock Paul Jedrasiak will also earn their first cap as France hope to recover from their humiliating defeat against New Zealand in the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
In the other dugout Italy’s French coach Jacques Brunel has also handed four players a chance at a first cap with Fullback David Odiete, wing Mattia Bellini, prop Andrea Lovotti and hooker Ornel Gega set to appear for the first time on the international stage.
Carlo Canna is to deputize for injured fly-half Tommaso Allan as Italy will look to beat the French for a first time since 2013.
Later in the day England, with new captain Dylan Hartley, travel to face an ever-improving Scotland, who were two points shy of beating Australia in the World Cup quarters in October.
On Sunday defending champs Ireland entertain Wales.