Latest updates from Six Nations as Marcus Smith dropped to the bench - Can Steve Borthwick’s side secure a third consecutive win?

England welcome Italy to Twickenham this afternoon for their final home fixture of the 2025 Six Nations. It’s been a rather strange campaign so far for Steve Borthwick’s inconsistent side, who led at half-time away in Ireland in round one before being blown away thereafter but ensuring a late bonus point,

France captain Antoine Dupont led his side to a 73-24 rout of hosts Italy as they ran in 11 tries in an action-packed Six Nations triumph on Sunday, bouncing back in style from their one-point loss to England in their last game a fortnight ago.

Italy host France as Six Nations third-round weekend draws to an exciting close in Rome today. Les Bleus make the trip to the Stadio Olimpico desperate to bounce back quickly from their shock last-gasp defeat by England at Twickenham a fortnight ago that scuppered their latest Grand Slam hopes and made Ireland strong favourites to win a historic and unprecedented third successive title.

The Tate Modern is packed, the Prado is heaving and there’s no way around the lines at the Louvre. But I won’t despair as I’ve a crowd-free alternative.