Italy v England Betting Tips
ENGLAND -15
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
Saturday 2:15pm: Italy v England
Six Nations match at Stadio Olimpico, Rome
TV: ITV1
In recent years, Italy had been gaining ground on the other teams in the Six Nations, albeit their results are not quite as devastating as they once were. Still, the Italians picked up the wooden spoon in the 2023 Six Nations after losing all five of their matches. Then came their disastrous exit from the World Cup at the group stage after their unsuccessful campaign. Things aren’t boding too well for the Azzurri.
On the other hand, England are coming off the back of a third-place finish at the World Cup having pushed champions South Africa all the way in the semi-final. They have a few young fresh faces in their side and one that excites is Tommy Freeman. The Northampton winger has been on fire this year so expect him to have a good game Saturday.
England have the players to play rugby if they so choose. It would be interesting to watch how England choose to breakdown the Italians early on in the game. I’d expect them to stick to their kick-dominated gameplan in the first half, then look to really push the boat out with the ball in hand as the game opens up. I feel England will have too much for the Italians on Saturday and I’d have more faith in them covering the spread than their opponents.
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First try scorer Jamie George
England’s newest captain Jamie George takes over from Owen Farrell who has stepped away from the international rugby scene. Steve Borthwick has his side well-drilled in the art of the rolling maul and they tend to score most of their tries in the pack. Expect England to go to their tried and tested methods to break down this Italian side early doors.
If there is to be an attacking maul, George will be at the back of it with ball in hand. He’s no stranger to the try line, so if England are to score using a maul, it’ll be George going over.
Wales v Scotland Betting Tips
Scotland -4
Saturday 4:45pm: Wales v Scotland
Six Nations match at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff
TV: BBC1
Scotland haven’t beaten Wales in Cardiff in over 20 years. You’d have to turn the clock back to 2002 when coach Gregor Townsend was playing to find the last Scottish victory. However, times have changed. This is a Scotland team on the up and a Wales team who are devoid of experience and notable superstars. Their one shining light Louis Rhys Zammit has switched oval ball codes as he chases his NFL dream. One couldn’t blame him as this Welsh side looks like they’re going nowhere fast.
In Murrayfield last year the Scots got the job done winning out comfortably 35-7. Now the handicap of -4 may be an indication of previous history but looking at the squads put out for Saturday, Scotland are miles ahead. Glasgow have been performing extremely well in recent weeks and one would expect their representatives of which there are many to carry this team to victory on Saturday. Along with the mercurial Finn Russell at the helm, I can only see one result on Saturday and that’s a Scotland win.
1+ Yellow Cards in the Match, Finn Russell to Score 10+ Points & Scotland to Win
Looking at our WhatsOddsPaddy bets for Saturday, this one stands out for value. Yellow cards are extremely common in this age of rugby union with the TMO having an eye on every tackle, carry, and aspect of the game. It would be very uncommon to see a rugby game without a yellow card these days, and it should be no different here.
Finn Russell should be at his brilliant best on Saturday as he has had a terrific start to the season raising Bath to be one of the premierships title contenders. I’d expect him to kick an early penalty or two and also to knock over a few conversions. He also is a threat with ball in hand and could go over for a try. As mentioned above Scotland should get the job done too making this an appealing bet.
Saturday’s Six Nations Best Bets
England -15
Jamie George First tryscorer
Scotland -4
1+ Yellow Cards in the Match, Finn Russell to Score 10+ Points & Scotland to Win
*Odds and lines in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
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