The significance of England playing rugby union at Croke Park has been well documented over the past few weeks.

The magnitude of the GAA's (Gaelic Athletic Association) decision to allow a 'British' sport to be played at the famous stadium cannot be underestimated.

It truly is an historical day for Ireland as a whole and shows just how much attitudes have changed, as 10 years ago it would have been unthinkable that England would be visiting Croke Park.

It's going to be a very emotional occasion, there's going to be the loudest crowd imaginable, it's a teatime kick-off, it's under lights and it is fair to say large quantities of booze will be consumed!

But Ireland need to put all that hullabaloo out of their minds and concentrate on the game.

They have to start properly. If they don't England will look to control the match - and the boot of Jonny Wilkinson, if he plays, could have a big say.

But for me the centres are the key to the game.

England's rugby league convert Andy Farrell hasn't really been tested yet and he is up against the masters in Brian O'Driscoll and Gordon D'Arcy.

There is a real chance for the Irish to expose a weakness between Farrell and Wilkinson at fly-half.

I cannot make my mind up about the outcome of Scotland v Italy.

The Italians won't make the same amount of mistakes that Wales made when they travelled to Murrayfield.

That said, the Scots have recovered well since their defeat to England and I think it could be very close.

Over in Paris it is France's tournament to lose now. They played very poorly at times against Ireland yet at others they were sensational.

As for the Welsh, they have three games to turn round their shocking start but I see France winning to leave them in a very healthy state ahead of their trip to Twickenham next time out.

Enjoy your weekend,

Keith

LIVE: Scotland v Italy (Coverage starts at 1430, kick-off at 1500) BBC ONE, BBCi and BBC Radio Five Live Sports Extra. Ireland v England (Coverage starts at 1700, kick-off at 1730) BBC ONE, BBCi and Radio Five Live. France v Wales (Coverage starts at 1945, kick-off 2000) BBC TWO, BBCi and Radio Five Live Sports Extra.

Football Focus (1210, BBC ONE); Fulham v Man Utd (1245, Radio Five Live Sports Extra & online); Score (1430, BBCi & bbc.co.uk/score); Premiership commentary (1500, Radio Five Live & online), Final Score (1650, BBC TWO); Watford v Everton (1715, Radio Five Live Sports Extra & online); Match of the Day (2225, BBC ONE).

Match of the Day repeat (0735, BBC ONE); Carling Cup final: Arsenal v Chelsea (1500, Radio Five Live & online); Match of the Day 2 (2230, BBC TWO).

World Cup cycling (1300-1400, BBC TWO. 1400-2200, BBCi and BBC Sport website); Rugby league - World Club Challenge highlights (BBC ONE, 1400-1430).

Rugby League - Super League show (BBC North and BBC Sport website 1305-1355); Rugby union - Premiership highlights, Leicester v Northampton (1330-1350, BBC TWO); Badminton - England v Germany (1350-1530, BBC TWO and BBC Sport website); World Cup cycling (1530-1720, BBC TWO and BBC Sport website).