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The 2022 Six Nations returned last weekend with a cracking round of matches to kick-off the tournament. This weekend, defending champions Wales will be hoping to bounce back from their defeat in Ireland as they host Scotland at 2:15pm on Saturday. Attention then turns to France v Ireland at 4:45pm before Italy host England at 3pm on Sunday afternoon.
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Jon Newcombe of TheRugbyTipster.com joined our pals at PPTV to pick out the best punts on offer.
Saturday 2.15pm: Wales v Scotland
Selection: Scotland To Win
I don’t think Scotland have ever won their opening two Six Nations games but I fancy them to get the job done in Cardiff on Saturday. They haven’t got a great record in Wales but history doesn’t mean much to this Scotland side. They won in France and beat England at Twickenham in recent years.
It’s been 20 years since they last won in Wales but I expect them to end that run. Scotland have got plenty of confidence at the moment and they can score in a variety of ways.
Wales are a team where you can’t really tell where they’re going, whereas Scotland have an identity and they play the same way their coach Gregor Townsend used to. They’re on a roll so Scotland to Win will do us!
Selection: Scotland -3
I’ve explained how Scotland are rolling at the moment so the Handicap betting of Scotland -3 is easily doable. I see them winning by six-ten points on Saturday.
Selection: Duhan van der Merwe to Score Anytime
Wales have made a couple of changes including bringing Alex Cuthbert back in for the first time in five years. He may take a bit of time to get going so he could be caught out. If anyone in the Scotland side will take advantage, it’s Duhan van der Merwe. Van der Merwe to Score Anytime makes a lot of sense.
- ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW: Here’s the Six Nations 2022 fixtures, kick off times and latest odds
Saturday 4.45pm: France v Ireland
Selection: France to Win
I know one player doesn’t make a team but Ireland being without Johnny Sexton changes the game. He’s been pivotal to this Ireland team. Joey Carbery will come in for his first Six Nations start at fly-half. He’s up to the job in terms of putting points on the board and he may get opportunities as France gave away 14 penalties in round one. However, Sexton being out is a nightmare for Ireland so it tips the balance in favour of France in my eyes. We’re on France to Win.
Selection: France -5
France -5 on the Handicap betting is a Smart Selection as I see them winning by around six-ten points. If Ireland had Sexton I’d be against this bet but without their main man, Andy Farrell’s side could struggle in Paris.
Selection: Damian Penaud to Score Anytime
France’s wingers did really well last weekend and I’m expecting more of the same against Ireland. Damian Penaud scored one try against Italy and I’m backing him to shine again. Penaud to Score Anytime is worth a punt.
Selection: Gregory Alldritt to be named Man of the Match
Backing up all the flair in the France side is Gregory Alldritt. He might put in a huge performance this weekend. He was named Man of the Match against Ireland in 2020, which was his second award of the tournament. He impressed again against Italy and carried the ball 21 times, making nearly 100m. He also put in 13 tackles. Those figures will be key against Ireland. I like the look of Alldritt to be named Man of the Match.
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Sunday 3pm: Italy v England
Selection: England -25
England will be hoping to bounce back from last weekend and they could have beaten Scotland if a couple of little things had gone their way. It’ll be interesting to see who Eddie Jones picks.
I feel the bookies have overplayed Italy’s performance last weekend in Paris. They did well but it was against an undercooked French team who had to deal with Covid in the build up. They were also playing for a new head coach.
England don’t usually struggle in Rome and they score a boatload of tries in Italy. I can see them overcoming the Handicap. England -25 is a great bet.
Selection: Marcus Smith to Score Anytime
There could be plenty of tries shared out between the England players this weekend and I fancy Marcus Smith to Score Anytime. He scored a great try against Scotland, he’s brilliant at spotting gaps and he could punish Italy.
Six Nations tips
Saturday 2:15pm: Wales v Scotland
Selections: Scotland to Win, Scotland -3, Duhan van der Merwe to Score Anytime
Saturday 4:45pm: France v Ireland
Selections: France to Win, France -5, Damian Penaud to Score Anytime, Gregory Alldritt to be named Man of the Match
Sunday 3pm: Italy v England
Selections: England -25, Marcus Smith to Score Anytime
Read More:
- ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW: Here’s the Six Nations 2022 fixtures, kick off times and latest odds
- TOURNAMENT PREVIEW: Paddy’s complete tipping guide
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