Paris (AFP)

Two England-Wales peaks of entry, England-Ireland clash in the main standings and a double Irish-Welsh showdown at dessert: the top three European nations have chosen to go to the World Cup (20 September-2 November) after XXL preparation matches.

Italy must finally feel honored to be involved in such preparations. Because the Nazionale is the only team of the "second wagon" (with France and Scotland), to use the expression of the French coach Jacques Brunel, that the three best selections of the northern hemisphere will face outside their own circle .

The Italians, wooden spoon of the last Tournament of the six nations, will try the exploit on Saturday in Dublin (13h00 GMT) against the XV of the Clover then on September 6 against the XV of the Rose in Newcastle. The rest ? These are potential final stage posters in Japan, where Irish, English and Welsh can, given their recent results, aim to tickle the nations of the South and, why not, aim for the world crown.

- "Ready to win the World" -

But one month before the start of the competition, what value to give these two England-Wales (go Sunday, return August 17), England-Ireland (August 24) and double Wales-Ireland to conclude (August 31 and 7 September), knowing that Opener Owen Farrell does not even appear on the match sheet of the first date?

For Eddie Jones, the demanding English coach, this is an essential step to conquer the supreme title. "We are grateful for this strong opposition that will put our potential to the test," he said on Tuesday.

"By the time we fly (for Japan) on September 8, we will be ready to win the Rugby World Cup, we are not yet, but we have four games to be," he said. 'Australian. Who, after the match against the Welsh, will reveal on Monday his list of players for the World Cup.

- End of Welsh Invincibility? -

Meanwhile, Jones and the English have a revenge to take on the XV Leek, who had deprived them of the Grand Slam in February in Cardiff (21-13). In addition to the historic rivalry between the two neighbors, the invincibility of Warren Gatland's team is at stake: author of the Grand Slam, the principality is undefeated since February 2018, 14 matches.

Will she manage to keep this record? A victory in London would be another feat for captain Alun Wyn Jones, who will become Sunday the most cape man in the history of his country but is not mistaken goal: to reach a first world final on November 2 in Yokohama.

This is also what the Irish, seen as serious contenders for the world title after an exceptional year 2018, punctuated by a first home win over New Zealand, but who are a little back in the rank since.

Johnny Sexton's team struggled to win in Italy (26-16) in February. A demonstration against the same opponent Saturday without their master to play, the injury to a thumb raises concern, would restore confidence before England.

Program of the first matches

Saturday:

(13h00 GMT) Ireland - Italy to Dublin (Lansdowne Road)

Sunday:

(13h00 GMT) England - Wales in London (Twickenham)

© 2019 AFP