Event of the Day: England versus Ireland
Our event of the day is the Six Nations match between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium in London. England started their attempt for a third Six Nations title in a row with victories in the first two rounds, but then lost ground in Scotland (a 25-13 loss) and last Saturday in France (a 22-16 loss). Thus, they await the last round of the competition sitting in third place with 10 points. On the other hand, champions-elect Ireland have been sensational, recording four wins so far to earn 19 points and clinch their third title in the last five years (after 2014 and 2015) in the penultimate round, after England’s loss in Paris. Now the Irish aim to complete the circle with a triumph at the home of their old rivals, and win a Grand Slam, which would be their first since 2009.
Other trophies on the line are the Millennium Trophy, awarded for the winner of England-Ireland and the Triple Crown for the winner of all the home nation matches, which Ireland can also secure with a win. Captain Dylan Hartley returns to the starting lineup for the home side, as the Red Roses seek revenge for a 13-9 defeat in Ireland a year ago that denied them a second successive Grand Slam. The only change for the visitors is lock Iain Henderson, who replaces Devin Toner. Will England save their season with a huge home victory or will new champions Ireland make it a memorable St Patrick’s Day for their fans? An exciting clash in London is guaranteed.
Honourable mentions around the globe go to the FA Cup quarter-final match between Swansea City and Tottenham at the Liberty Stadium in Swansea. The Swans are undefeated in the last three games and drew 0-0 in Huddersfield last Saturday, while Spurs recovered from their Champions League exit with a convincing 4-1 win away to Bournemouth in the league on Sunday. Also in the FA Cup quarter-finals, Manchester United host Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford in Manchester. It’s the third day of the Arnold Palmer Invitational at the Bay Hill Club and Lodge in Orlando. In the NHL, the top two sides from the Eastern Conference clash at the Amalie Arena in Tampa as the Tampa Bay Lightning host the Boston Bruins; while the Los Angeles Kings come up against the New Jersey Devils at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles. It’s Day 10 of the ATP World Tour and Day 11 of the WTA World Tour BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells. In the NBA, the pick of the games is the clash between the San Antonio Spurs and the Minnesota Timberwolves at the AT&T Center in San Antonio. In the NRL, the Warriors face the Titans at the Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Fixture
Photos by England Rugby; Irish Rugby