Following their disappointing 25-0 defeat to Ireland, regular captain Katy McLean, who has been away with the England Sevens Rugby World Cup training squad, comes back into the squad, although she will take her place on the bench with Sarah Hunter retaining the captaincy.

Unlike their male counterparts who will square off a Twickenham prior to the women’s match, France will arrive in London buoyed by their 32-0 victory over Wales.

Much like Philippe Saint-Andre’s side, France lost to Italy in their first match but restored confidence with a win over Wales and will be looking to capitalise on England’s poor showing in Ireland.

France though always have some struggles on the road in the Championship and they have not beaten England away since 2005.

Buoyant after their historic victory over England, Fiona Coghlan’s troops head to Scotland with a spring in their step and with World Cup qualification that much closer after two wins from two.

A top-four finish would do the trick for Ireland, who are currently top the pile, and they will face a Scotland side shorn of confidence after two defeats in which they are yet to score a point.

Ireland also have the prospect of securing the Triple Crown but Scotland will be celebrating the anniversary of their first ever match and will hope that landmark sees them through.

For Wales, their trip to Italy becomes vital in terms of their World Cup qualification hopes.

England and France are already qualified for the tournament and the remaining two places available via the RBS 6 Nations will go to the next two best placed sides on aggregate from last year and this year’s competition.

At the moment Ireland are in pole position for one of those spots and it looks like a straight shootout between Wales and Italy for the last spot.