Can England beat Wales to put the pressure on leaders France?
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Odds, preview and betting tips for Six Nations match
England’s defence of their2019 Six Nations title didn’t get off to the best start with a defeat toFrance. Wins against Scotland and Ireland have steadied the ship, but it’sWales up next.
In their first Six NationsChampionship since 2008 without Warren Gatland or caretaker Rob Howley at thehelm, Wales haven’t hit their usual heights.
Under Wayne Pivac’s guidance,they’ve won only one of their first three matches, beating Italy 42-0 in thefirst week before slipping to defeats against Ireland and France.
England are odds on 1/6 favourites to win, with Walesa distant 9/2 to take home the points. You can back the tie at 33/1.
Jonny May is the 6/1 favourite to get theopening try for England, with Anthony Watson next up at 10s.There’s 15/8 about Manu Tuilagi scoring anytime, with 11/5saying Elliot Daly or George North rack up a try during the matchtoo.
Liam Williams heads thebetting for first try scorer for Wales at 12/1,or there’s 3/2on him scoring anytime. Tomos Williams is 5/2 to score anytime, withHadleigh Parkes at 3s.
This weekend’s match up between the pair, the 135th inhistory, goes ahead despite the ongoing spread of coronavirus which has seenIreland’s game with Italy postponed.
England will be without prop Mako Vunipola who was left outof England’s squad as a coronavirus precaution, after the 29-year-old travelledthrough Hong Kong on his way back from Tonga last week. He’ll continue trainingwith club side Saracens this week.
Eddie Jones welcomes flanker Mark Wilson and winger AnthonyWatson back to the England side for the first time since the Rugby World Cup toface Wales after recovering from knee and back injuries respectively.
Watson replaces Jonathan Joseph in the squad, with Jonesalso without Sam Underhill who misses out after picking up an injury. Wilsonwill join Courtney Lawes and Tom Curry in the back row.
Wales boss Pivac has made four changes to the side that lostto France almost two weeks ago. Taulupe Faletau has been dropped to the bench,with Josh Navidi coming in at number eight.
They’ll also welcome back Liam Williams to the wing for thefirst time in four months after injuring his ankle in October. He’ll step in toreplace Josh Adams.
Fly-half Dan Biggar makes the team despite picking up a kneeinjury in Northampton’s defeat to Saracens last weekend, while Tomos Williamssteps in to take over at half-back.
Rob Evans will fill the void at loose-head prop, with fellowScarlet Wyn Jones sitting out after struggling with a hip injury. Gareth Daviesand Aaron Wainwright are omitted from the squad.
Can Pivac get the better of Jones on their first Six Nationsclash? Or will England continue their chase of current Six Nations leadersFrance? The action gets underway at 16:45 on Saturday from Twickenham Stadium.
View the latest England v Wales odds.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date ofpublication.
