Friday match first for Six Nations - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

Friday match first for Six Nations

Reigning champions Wales will play in the first RBS 6 Nations fixture on a Friday night when they tackle France in next season's tournament.

Wales, who won the title and Grand Slam with victory over France four weeks ago, will head to Paris on February 27 for a 9pm kick-off (local time).

But the decision is likely to be criticised by fans, who could face a difficult task slotting a Friday night game into their travel plans.

Six Nations bosses say they have looked at the success of Friday night rugby at last autumn's World Cup, which was also held in France, as a factor behind their decision.

Wales will open their 2009 campaign against Scotland at Murrayfield, then face England in Cardiff just six days later.

England, with their World Cup-winning captain Martin Johnson in charge as team manager, face what should be a routine Twickenham opener against Italy.

Wales will be a far tougher prospect, though, before England tackle Ireland at Croke Park - they lost 43-13 on their one previous visit last year - host France and then finish at home to Scotland.

Ireland start against France, with Scotland visiting Paris a week after hosting Wales.

The so-called 'Super Saturday' theme continues on the tournament's final weekend, with three games played in quick succession.

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