Here is the up-to-the-minute rugby news on a busy day of Six Nations team announcements
Gatland sees Morgan as Wales seven
Wales coach Warren Gatland says he sees Jac Morgan’s future in the number seven jersey for Wales, despite opting once again to not name the Ospreys back-rower in the role.
Morgan has been shunted around positions since making his debut against Scotland last year. In fact, that first appearance in a Welsh jersey - the last time Wales won a Six Nations match - was his only start in the seven jersey.
Since then, he’s flitted between blindside, No. 8, bench spots and even being left out of the squad altogether.
Against Italy, he’ll pull on the six jersey - meaning he’ll have to wait a little longer to play in his preferred position of openside.
Wales have a lot of strength in that position, with Justin Tipuric and Tommy Reffell also in the mix.
Asked about Morgan, Gatland said: “We see him as a seven long-term. There’s great competition in that position. There’s three in the squad and more good sevens in Wales who aren’t in the squad.
"There’ll be some opportunities over the ball with the way Italy play. We’re looking for guys who can compete pretty hard on the ball."
Italy name Capuozzo replacement
Harlequins fly-half Tommy Allan will start at full-back for Italy against Wales.
Allan, who filled the fly-half role against France and England, replaces the injured Ange Capuozzo, who memorably created Italy's winning try in Cardiff last season. He is sidelined by a shoulder injury that has meant Azzurri head coach Kieran Crowley makes one enforced change.
It is otherwise the same team that pushed Six Nations leaders and title favourites Ireland close last time out. Italy are chasing a first Six Nations win in Rome since 2013, but they will fancy their chances against a Wales side reeling from successive losses to Ireland, Scotland and England.
Borthwick explains Farrell axe
England boss Steve Borthwick has explained his bombshell decision to axe captain Owen Farrell for the clash against France.
Marcus Smith has been entrusted with the fly-half duties, with Farrell demoted to the bench for the first time since 2015 for Saturday's Twickenham showdown with the Grand Slam champions.
Ellis Genge is named captain for the first time in place of Farrell but there are no further changes to the starting XV that toppled Wales in round three.
"I can't talk up Owen enough. Not just for this week - but every day since we started working together in this capacity," said Borthwick. "He's been incredible at helping all the players around the squad and he cares so much about this team. He has incredible respect from everyone.
"I continue to select a team specific to the game plan we want to play against the opposition. I go through the game plan that we wish to play, the specific tactics we wish to play against the opponents and the strengths that they have. It's the same process I go through each week.
"It's a fantastic position to be in, such great fly-halves to select from. With George Ford in the squad there are three world-class fly-halves. I feel the right blend against this opponent is Marcus on the field at the start of the game and Owen at the end.
"We have many good players. We want players always fighting to be in this 23. My job is to select the right person to start and then the right person to come off the bench.
"I'm looking at the game against France and Ellis Genge will captain the team. I've said that Owen will captain the team when he comes onto the pitch. Owen has been brilliant. He leads the team in whatever role he's playing. He's been incredible this week."
Genge: This is the real test
New England captain Ellis Genge views the final two rounds of the Six Nations as the ultimate barometer of the advances made so far during Steve Borthwick's England rebuild.
England still have a chance of claiming the title but to stay in the hunt they must topple the world's top two ranked sides, beginning with France at Twickenham on Saturday before facing Ireland in Dublin a week after.
The toughest assignment in the sport is being tackled while Borthwick continues to repair the damage inflicted during the final year of the Eddie Jones era.
A promising start saw a narrow defeat by Scotland followed by conclusive wins against Italy and Wales, but Genge knows the level of competition is about to shoot up.
"We have the second and first best teams and it goes in order as well," the Bristol prop said. "If you beat the second best, you're probably licking your lips to get stuck into the number one side. It's a great opportunity to see where we're at.
"The rankings say we are sixth in the world. We're going through a rebuild. We're trying to build some foundations for what's to come."
Scotland relishing Triple Crown clash
Matt Fagerson is revelling in the wave of "excitement" Scotland are currently riding as he gears up for his biggest game yet for the national team at home to Ireland on Sunday.
The 24-year-old has been gripped by the high-stakes nature of each of his team's matches in this year's Six Nations as they bid to win the championship for the first time since their 1999 Five Nations success.
After wins over England and Wales, prior to a spirited defeat away to France, a victory over Grand Slam-chasing Ireland at Murrayfield this weekend would take the Scots into their final match at home to Italy with a genuine chance of claiming the title.
With a World Cup in France to come later this year, Fagerson feels like the Scots are in the midst of an exhilarating period under Gregor Townsend.
"Gregor spoke at the beginning of the season when we were coming into the autumn that we had such a big campaign over the next 18 months," explained the Glasgow number eight.
"This group has been together for quite a while. We've had people coming in and out, but the core has stayed. When you build these connections you feel so in tune with each other. Everyone's getting on so well and we have a great environment and that's down to the coaching group and staff and what the boys bring to the table as well. It is a hugely exciting period for us.
"I think it is probably the biggest game I have played for Scotland. But we aren't looking too far ahead, you can't be thinking about Championships or what the permutations are.
"We've got the world number one team coming to Murrayfield and that's our focus. It's managing what they have to bring and what we bring as well."
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