With the Six Nations about to resume, as Ireland, France and Wales take on Scotland, England and Italy respectively, we look at the best bets.
Ireland v Scotland
The game of the weekend as two title challengers go head-to-head, but the hosts remain clear favourites with the bookmakers as William Hill and Marathon Bet have them down at 3/10. It is no doubt based on Scotland’s seeming inability to back up their home performances on their travels but, with Ladbrokes, Betfair and Paddy Power having them down at 7/2, it is worth a punt.
On paper, with both sides finding form in round three, it should be a close game but, if the visitors struggle like they did against Warren Gatland’s team, then the Emerald Isle are 14/1 to win by a margin of 26-30 points and thus repeat Wales’ supremacy from the opening weekend.
Joe Schmidt’s men also dominate the first try-scorer odds and Jacob Stockdale, after opening the game’s account in round three against Wales, is once again favourite at best-priced 8/1 with various outlets.
However, Gregor Townsend’s side began superbly against England and went into the break 22-6 in front, with Huw Jones touching down first. He is 16/1 with Sky Bet, Betfair and BetVictor to repeat the trick. Jones has an outstanding record at international level and the centre is also 7/2 anytime to cross the whitewash at the Aviva Stadium.
France v England
In the early 2000s, this would have been the game of the championship, but plenty has changed over the past few years with France, in particular, struggling. That is reflected in the market as England are clear favourites at best-priced 19/50 with Marathon Bet to overcome Jacques Brunel’s men.
Les Bleus did, however, cause problems for Ireland in the opening game and, with Eddie Jones’ side not anywhere near their best in the tournament so far, 11/4 with Ladbrokes appears generous. This weekend’s visitors have also struggled to control the breakdown and, with the French usually strong in that area, backing the hosts represents decent value.
Nevertheless, it is difficult to see the Red Rose being quite as bad as they were against Scotland and, in Anthony Watson, Elliot Daly and Jonny May, they have a potentially lethal back three. May is 17/2 at Betway, while Daly and Watson are 10/1 (BoyleSports) and 12/1 respectively to open the try-scoring account.
Benjamin Fall, despite failing to make much impact since replacing Teddy Thomas, and Remy Grosso are seen as France’s best hope of getting across the whitewash first at 14/1. In comparison to Fall, Grosso was excellent against Italy and, irrespective of Clermont Auvergne’s issues this season, the wing has been in good form, so he looks the better option.
Wales v Italy
The final match sees Wales face Italy in a game which should be a foregone conclusion, with the hosts clear favourites at 1/28 with Betway to claim a victory.
Italy’s only hope appears to be complacency on the part of Gatland’s men. Even though the New Zealander has made several changes to the line-up, the fact that the Azzurri are as long as 28/1 with Black Type and 10Bet shows how lowly their chances are rated.
It should be a comfortable win for the home side and they are set up to score tries. Gareth Anscombe, after impressing against England, is at fly-half and the back three sees the talented trio of Liam Williams, George North and Steff Evans combine.
Don’t be surprised to see them rack up a large score and they are 8/1 at Black Type to win by over 50 points. It may appear slightly far-fetched but, with the current state of Italian rugby, it is not an insurmountable target.
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