3 minute read

The third round of the Six Nations gets underway on Saturday afternoon as Ireland and England take on Wales and Scotland respectively, aiming to maintain their unbeaten starts to the competition.

Ireland romped to a 38-17 victory over France in round one before handling Italy 36-0 in their second match-up. England, meanwhile, have secured much narrower victories over Italy (27-24) and Wales (16-14).

The weekend's opening contest sees Ireland boast heavy favouritism over their Welsh counterparts. The Irish are –23-point favourites on the handicap, just over three converted tries.

Wales lost by one point (27-26 Scotland) and two points (16-14 England) in their opening two games but will likely face a stronger Ireland outfit than the one that bypassed Italy. Irish hooker Dan Sheehan has three tries in two matches – including a double against Italy – and is 4/6 to notch against the Welsh.

Meanwhile, England will be given all they can handle when they travel to Murrayfield, with Scotland favoured to claim victory over the 'Auld Enemy'. Scotland are –4.0-point favourites in the contest.

The visitors have earned three yellow cards through two matches and are Evens to have a player carded in this match. Meanwhile, an enticing option is the Scotland victory by 1-10 points, priced at 7/4 in some places.

Wing Duhan van der Merwe crossed twice in Scotland's win over Wales in round one. He's 11/4 to score a try and for Scotland to win outright.

On Sunday, France host Italy in what should be a comfortable outing for Les Blues – with betting options aplenty on the handicap, points totals and player props markets.

Given Italy conceded 36 points to IIreland and with France boasting an impressive offensive arsenal, a –27-point handicap line could be on the short side – especially if France select a full-strength XV.

The Italians showcased a susceptibility to the rolling maul, with hooker Dan Sheehan notching a brace in the Ireland loss – this should garner some value for Peato Mauvaka in the try scoring market.

Another option to consider is an Italian yellow card (8/11) in the match-up – the team has received one yellow card in both fixtures so far in the Six Nations. It is also worth noting that last year's meeting between the two sides was a five-point game – a 29-24 win for France.

Best Bets

Yellow Card shown in 2nd Half of Ireland v Wales (Evens)

Scotland win by 1-10 points (7/4)

Any Italian player yellow carded (8/11)