Six Nations Preview: Round Three

Ireland v Italy (1.30pm Sat)
With their match against France postponed, Ireland have had longer to stew on their last gasp defeat to Wales. Forced to wait any longer and they would have boiled over. Stan James go a best price 1/12 on a home win, an unbackable price. Ireland are evens (Bet365) to win with a 15 point handicap and that seems about right.

For all their improvement, an Italy wins still seems unlikely and the 9/1 with Sportingbet is passed over. In a difficult match to bet on, a speculative first tryscorer wager on Tommy Bowe is the order of the day. The Irish winger is 8/1 (Skybet) to cross the try line first and add to his two scores against Italy.

Verdict: Tommy Bowe first tryscorer at 8/1 with Skybet

England v Wales (4pm Sat)
You have to go back a long way to find a Wales team favourites to win at Twickenham but they are a best price 4/6 (Boylesports) to win this weekend, with England 8/5 (Sportingbet).

These prices would be understandable if England had lost their first two games, but remember they are unbeaten just like the visitors. Victories against Scotland and Italy were achieved in workmanlike fashion, but they were achieved nonetheless. With a new team it takes time for players to gel, as underdogs Stuart Lancaster’s men could surprise.

The salivation over the Welsh team is partly deserved but there is also the sound of journalists jumping on bandwagons they missed during the World Cup. Remember Wales were being held 3-3 at half time against Scotland in week two.

England might not be as bad as everyone suggests and Wales possibly not as good. It is a game that could go either way.

Verdict: England to win with a +4 handicap at 10/11 Betfred

Scotland v France (3pm Sun)
People can stop talking about the impotent Scottish attack, a second half-try by Greig Laidlaw proved that the team aren’t scared of crossing the opponent’s try line. If it wasn’t for a missed tackle and two yellow cards, the Wales game is one they could have won. The bookmakers aren’t giving them much chance against France with Bet365 a best price 13/5 on a Scotland victory.

France are the 4/11 (Skybet) favourites but we still don’t know much about Philippe Saint-Andre’s team with only a facile win over Italy offered as evidence. They could easily turn out to be the best team in the tournament but surely it is too early to be backing them at short odds.

Verdict: Scotland to win with a +8 handicap 10/11 Betfred.