Six Nations Preview: Round Five

Italy v Scotland (12.30pm Sat)
The battle for the wooden spoon as both team enter the match without a win in the tournament. That could remain the case if we have a draw at 20/1 (Bet365).

After three good performances in defeat, Scotland disappointed against Ireland. The frustration at languishing near the bottom of the table became apparent. Italy did a good job at containing Wales for a half but never looked like causing an upset.

I’m willing to forgive Scotland their lapse and back them to regain the form they showed earlier in the championship. They should have too much for Italy and be able to cover the points spread.

Verdict: Scotland to win by more than three points at Evens with William Hill

Wales v France (2.45pm Sat)
Wales are 4/9 (Skybet) to win at the Millennium Stadium and secure the Grand Slam. With the pressure on Warren Gatland’s men, the odds are skinny on what is bound to be a close game of rugby.

It seems you cannot be the coach for France without descending into a basket case. Philippe Saint-André seems to have developed the affliction as he changes his half-back combination for the third game in a row. Dimitri Yachvili leaves the stands to start at scrum-half.

For all the madness you should never write off the French. Just look back to the World Cup final, no one gave them a prayer and they came within a drop-goal of victory. They are 11/4 (Sportingbet) to break Welsh hearts again.

Verdict: France to win at 11/4 with Sportingbet

England v Ireland (5pm Sat)
A stimulating victory in Paris and everthing is rosey at Twickenham. England were 8/5 to beat Wales, versus Ireland they are 8/11 (Boylesports) . Stuart Lancaster deserves plenty of credit for the turnaround in fortunes but this still might be his last game.

If Ireland hadn’t thrown away leads against Wales and France this would be their Grand Slam decider, such are the fine margins in sport. In 2011 they trounced an England side on the up 24-8. This time they could cost Lancaster his job.

Verdict: Ireland to win at 6/4 with Bet365