Six Nations Saturday Double
Published:
England vs Scotland headlines round four
We’re back in Six Nations action this weekend, and things are getting serious, with the fourth round of matches ahead. There can be no doubt about the star attraction as a relentless England host an ambitious Scotland on Saturday, live from 4.00pm on ITV.
We preview both matches – the other looking like a case of how many will France beat Italy by? Click here to place all your weekend rugby bets, or read on as we detail our selections below.
Italy vs France
The Italians promised to make a go of this year’s Six Nations pre-tournament, but find themselves in the all too familiar last-place, on-course for the wooden spoon. England slapped down Azzurri last time out, and they have now conceded a massive 132 points.
What is rather more surprising is that France go into the weekend second-bottom, with a record of one win and two defeats, losing 19-9 to Ireland. Les Bleus’ results mask the fact they are an improving side however and will be eager to transfer that play into points on Saturday. Italy came in for no end of stick on how they set-up against England, but we shouldn’t get too carried away with the final score. I am having France to cover a 19-point handicap at our attractive price of even money.
The French are 1/16 just to win the match, which can’t be touched by normal backers, for obvious reasons, but it does look to be a fair call. Fancy an entertaining tussle? Our traders have priced up a special which may appeal. France -19, over 47.5 points and a card to be shown at 11/2.
England vs Scotland
It’s been a while since we’ve seen a Calcutta Cup match look quite so competitive on paper. Granted, the English are in incredible form, and go top of the Six Nations table with a record three wins from as many starts. They have been far from dominant however, and stumbled past Italy 36-15 at home the time before.
Eddie Jones’ men have scored just 76 points so far, 28 less than Ireland in second and only four more than Scotland, who are currently in third. The away win would blow a hole in this year’s Six Nations title race. Scotland have caught the imagination so far, beating Wales 29-13 at Murrayfield last time, enhancing an earlier win over Ireland. Both have come at home however, and they went down 22-16 away to France, which hasn’t worked out too well in the formlines.
We’re expecting a close game here, and although England are taken to win at 1/6, we much prefer to take a punt on the value and have Scotland with a 12-point head-start at evens. That looks to be on the generous side, given England’s scoring so far. Those who enjoy a play in the special markets can try Jack Nowell and Elliott Daly both to score anytime at 7/2.
