6 Nations: Big kick-off tonight

The 2010 Women's Six Nations kicks off this evening in Ashbourne, Co Meath, Ireland. This quiet town, slightly smaller than Baldock and about 12 miles north of Dublin, will be the home for Ireland this season after hosting their historic win over France last season.

2009 was Ireland's best ever Six Nations - finishing third behind England and Wales - so they have a lot to live up to in 2010, even without the small matter of a World Cup in six month's time. This evening they have a slightly easier start than last - playing Italy, who have only ever won one Six Nations game in three years. However, the Italians are something of an unknown so the possibility of their being a significant banana skin is ensuring that the Irish take the game very seriously.

The big game of the weekend, however, is tomorrow's clash between England and Wales at Esher - top two last season, and with England having a huge amount to prove after losing for the first time the last time the teams met. In reality, however, England were not at full strength last season - and most definitely are this - so anything other than an English win would make last year's upset seem mild by comparison.

Finally France travel to Scotland. Again, if France - notoriously poor travellers - had to go anywhere to start a Six Nations then Edinburgh would suit them fine. Scotland - though improving - are struggling to keep up with the massive strides forward being taken by the likes of England, Wales and Ireland and do not yet pose a significant threat to the leading teams. However, if they are to upset anyone this year then France at home could be the game for them.

The final bit of good news is that apparently Sky are filming some or all of this years' games. Not for live broadcast (well, not that they have announced) but hopefully highlights will be shown on Rugby Club next week. More news on this when it emerges.

• Ireland won tonight's game 22-5, with two tries from Joy Neville (the second one above) and one from Alison Miller. Niamh Briggs continued her brilliant form from last season with an early drop and two conversions. (IRFU report) (Irish Times)