Rhys Webb: Six Nations Round 2 – Pressure On Already

Saturday, 14 February 2026 at 07:37

byCharlie Elliott

Round 2 of the Six Nations and it’s shaping up to be another huge weekend. Like I’ve said before, nowadays you have to be at the very top of your game every single week to win in this tournament. There are no easy fixtures anymore. The margins are tiny. If you’re off by 5%, you lose.

That’s the standard now.

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Ireland v Italy – Must Win Territory

Ireland and Scotland both go into this weekend knowing one thing: they have to win or their tournament is virtually over. That’s the reality of modern Test rugby.

Italy have momentum. They’ve grown massively over the past couple of seasons. They’re physical, confident, and they believe they belong. The big question is: can they back it up?

When was the last time Italy won their first two games of a Six Nations campaign? It would be history-making stuff. That’s the opportunity in front of them.

But Ireland at home, backs against the wall, is a dangerous place to go. Expect a response.

Scotland v England – Calcutta Cup Fire

The Calcutta Cup always brings edge, intensity and emotion.

Scotland are a class team. They’ve got genuine world-class internationals across the park. They play with confidence and width, and when they get momentum they are hard to stop.

But England have been impressive over the last 12 months. What stands out for me is their strength in depth. Injuries don’t seem to derail them anymore. They’ve built competition, resilience, and belief.

Can Scotland get one over England at Murrayfield Stadium?

They can.

But I think England keep this going. They’ve found consistency, and that wins championships.

Wales v France – Pride, Passion, Response

Sunday at the Principality Stadium.

Can Wales put in a more credible performance?

Last week, like everyone watching, I felt we just couldn’t get momentum. Once it slipped, it was gone. By half-time it felt out of reach.

Wales have to start fast. They have to take it to France. No waiting. No feeling our way into it. Physical intent from minute one.

And we cannot kick loosely.

This French side is dangerous. Give them broken-field opportunities and they punish you. They love playing in Cardiff. Big stage. Big emotion. That suits them.

Let’s just hope we don’t have another 100-minute game like 2017…

I still remember it clearly. We were winning by five points in the 79th minute… and somehow lost by two in the 100th.

Scrum after scrum after scrum.

We defended our line for what felt like 20 minutes after full time. Unbelievable scenes. Pure chaos. Then France sneak over in the 100th minute.

That’s Test rugby. Brutal. Relentless. No hiding.

My Predictions