Rugby Union
International Rugby
The Six Nations Championship is an annual international men’s rugby union competition between the teams of England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales. The current champions are France, who won the 2022 tournament.
Saturday:
Ireland vs France – 2.15pm GMT
The standout fixture of the 2023 Six Nations takes place in Dublin on Saturday as Ireland entertain defending Grand Slam champions France in what has been touted as an early title decider.
The world’s top-two ranked sides both enjoyed victorious starts to their campaigns last week, but will have seen weaknesses in each other’s performances which they will hope to exploit at the Aviva Stadium.
Number one Ireland is seeking a record 13th successive home win against second-ranked France, who were the last team to beat the hosts at Lansdowne Road, in February 2021.
France achieved the Grand Slam last year and is bidding for a national record-extending 15th consecutive Test win.
They are the only top-tier side Irish head coach Andy Farrell is yet to beat since he took over at the helm after the 2019 World Cup. But we think that change’s today.
Our Picks:
Ireland Win @1/2
Over 44.0 @1/1
Scotland vs Wales – 4.45pm GMT
Scotland will be looking to finally back up an opening-weekend Six Nations win when they welcome Warren Gatland’s Wales to Murrayfield on Saturday.
Gregor Townsend’s men secured another famous Calcutta Cup victory over England at Twickenham last time out, whereas Wales were comfortably beaten at home by tournament favourites Ireland.
Wales with all there struggles off the pitch seem to have brought them on to the pitch and we think they could unfortunately be the whipping boys this year.
Townsend will not need telling that his side recorded memorable wins over England on the opening weekend in both 2021 and 2022 as well, only to then lose to Wales one week later on both occasions.
Indeed, the last time Scotland opened a Five or Six Nations campaign with back-to-back wins was 1996, and that is something they have managed just six times in total across the last 70 years. Were backing them to make it seven.
Our Picks:
Scotland Win @4/11
Over 44.5 Points @10/11
Sunday:
England vs Italy – 3pm GMT
England will renew their search for a first win of the Steve Borthwick era when they welcome Italy to Twickenham on week two of the 2023 Six Nations on Sunday.
This game should be easy to call but England are struggling for form, and Italy looked a different class then past years vs France even in defeat.
England were always going to enter into a transitional period following the departure of long-time coach Eddie Jones and a 29-23 home loss to Scotland was not unexpected. However, while a third successive Calcutta Cup defeat will have hurt, there was promise in their maiden outing under new boss Borthwick.
England kicked aimlessly at times and defended poorly, but showed the type of ambition and accuracy in attack that was expected to be layered on at a later date.
With a bit more composure in a stirring final 10 minutes, Italy could have claimed a momentous victory over France.
The Azzurri took a 24-22 lead on the hour mark via Tomasso Allen’s fourth successful penalty strike.
Les Bleus hit back through a Matthieu Jallibert try to forge back in front 29-24, though, and held firm under pressure late on.
Head coach Kieran Cowley declared: “I am really satisfied with the character and conviction with which we approached the match.”
Were going with a England win but advise the over pick as a safer bet.
Our Picks:
England win @1/14
Over 56.5 Points @10/11
We will post game weekend picks throughout the tournament so check back each week for our full picks.
Best Rugby Betting Picks And Predictions, Image Credit: rugbymagazine.com
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