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:
England vs France, 4.45pm GMT
England welcome France to Twickenham on Saturday with both sides locked on 10 points apiece heading into the penultimate round of the 2023 Six Nations.
While both teams’ title hopes still ultimately rest in the hands of Grand Slam-chasing Ireland, victory is essential for either to still be in with a chance of claiming the crown on the final day.
Steve Borthwick has put his reputation and that of Marcus Smith on the line after recalling the flyhalf in place of dropped England captain Owen Farrell for Saturday’s Six Nations clash against France.
It is the first time the benched Farrell, a veteran of more than a hundred Tests, has been omitted from a full-strength England side since their opening match of the 2015 World Cup.
Farrell’s absence from the starting XV to face reigning champions France at Twickenham in the latest edition of ‘Le Crunch’ means prop forward Ellis Genge will captain England for the first time.
France coach Fabien Galthie has recalled centre Jonathan Danty, a powerful ball carrier, in one of three changes to his side as the visitors seek a first Six Nations win at Twickenham in 18 years.
Defeat for either side on Saturday could end their title hopes, with Galthie saying: “We’re not on top, it’s the Irish, but we have the desire to not give the trophy up.”
Our Picks:
England Win @6/5
Over 46.5 Points Scored @11/10
Italy vs Wales, 2.15pm GMT
Any other year (even after last years famous loss) we wouldn’t hesitate to back Wales to beat Italy, but Italy have come along way that said it may not be far enough. Wales will be after revenge.
Both sides have lost all three of their matches so far, with Wales propping up the table having failed to pick up a single point, while Italy sit fifth courtesy of one losing bonus point.
The hosts will not have to look too far for inspiration and belief that they can pull off a rare Six Nations victory in this match, and ensure that they avoid another Wooden Spoon in the process.
Our Picks:
Wales Win @4/5
Over 46.5 Points Scored @10/11
Sunday:
Scotland vs Ireland, 3pm GMT
Ireland will look to continue their march towards a Grand Slam when they take on fellow title hopefuls Scotland in the penultimate round of the 2023 Six Nations on Sunday.
Andy Farrell’s men sit top of the pile with maximum points from their opening three games and could even clinch the trophy should other results go their way this weekend, but Triple Crown-chasing Scotland are one of three teams on 10 points eager to capitalise on any Irish slip-up.
Scotland were ultimately bested 32-21 by France in a memorable contest that saw both sides have a man sent off early and Gregor Townsend’s men fight back from 19-0 down to give the defending champions a real fright.
That came after the Scots had seen off both auld enemy England and Wales to start the Six Nations with back-to-back wins for the first time since 1996.
Andy Farrell’s Ireland arrive bursting with confidence as the undisputed best international rugby team on the planet, having continued their formidable winning run with a third consecutive bonus-point triumph last time out.
Our Picks:
Ireland -6.5 @10/11
Over 47.5 Points Scored @11/10
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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