Featuring today Ireland v England, France v Wales
Ireland begin the defence of the Championship this afternoon in Dublin against England who, with new coach John Burgess and new captain Fran Cotton, hope to re-establish England as a side capable of winning the title outright for the first time since 1963. Wales, now coached by John Dawes, travel to Paris to take on a French side that its selectors hope will be the correct winning combination following two recent defeats by the touring Springboks.
Television presentation: Dublin: Irish TV Service; Paris: French TV Service