Well, that fallow week felt FAR too long but thankfully Six Nations rugby is back on the TV this weekend.
After England’s stunning win over France at Twickenham last time out the championship has been blown wide open and all eyes are on the titanic clash in Dublin between Ireland and France in a couple of weeks.
But for now, Week 3 offers a lot of intrigue – as well as a new coach! – and any team looking ahead to later weeks might get caught out, make no bones about this is a vital week.
Our rugger watcher Peter Sharland has emerged from the metaphorical scrum of Paddy’s prices, bloodied bur unbowed, and presenting his best bets for the games…
Six Nation Betting Tips
Saturday, 2:15pm – Wales v Ireland
James Lowe, Dan Sheehan and Mack Hansen all to score tries
Ireland to score 15+ points in each half
Saturday, 4:45pm – England v Scotland
Tommy Freeman to score a try and England to win
Duhan van der Merwe to score 2+ tries
Sunday, 3pm – Italy v France
Total Points: Over 53.5
Louis Bielle-Biarrey to score 2+ tries
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Saturday, 2:15pm – Wales v Ireland
TV: BBC 1, Virgin Media 1
James Lowe, Dan Sheehan and Mack Hansen all to score tries
Lot of changes here. Wales have a new coach after Matt Sherratt was placed in temporary charge until the end of the Six Nations following the firing of Warren Gatland. For Ireland there are seven changes from the win over Scotland as they look to stay fresh whilst maintaining their 100% record.
Wales certainly look like a better team on paper (crazy what playing players in their correct positions does!) but this Ireland team still feels as if it is going to have way too much firepower. A lot of that comes from the two wingers, who we like to score tries along with Captain Dan.
Ireland to score 15+ points in each half
We also like Paddy’s boosted price for Ireland to score 15+ points in each half. Wales should put up a fight but this is the game that should see Ireland go past 30 points.
Saturday, 4:45pm – England v Scotland
TV: ITV 1, RTE 2
Tommy Freeman to score a try and England to win
The big news for Scotland is that talismanic 10 Finn Russell will be fit for this game as they go in search of a historic fifth straight win in the Calcutta Cup, something they have never done. In a normal situation looking at these two teams and who is playing at home it would be hard not to pick England, but weird stuff has been happening in this rivalry recently.
However, we still like England to win and with two tries in two games Tommy Freeman seems a great option here as an anytime try-scorer in combination with an England win.
Duhan van der Merwe to score 2+ tries
On the other side Duhan van der Merwe has been the England slayer for Scotland in recent years. The flying wing scored in back-to-back games at Twickenham in 2021 and 2023 and then for good measure last year he scored a hat-trick at Murrayfield. Have England figured out a way to stop him? We’ll find out on Saturday.
Sunday, 3pm – Italy v France
TV: ITV 1, Virgin Media 1
Total Points: Over 53.5
France have gone 7-1 with both Matthieu Jalibert and Damian Penaud left out, things are getting interesting in French camp with Fabien Galthie. Make no mistake, this is a delicate situation for Les Bleus, after losing to England they cannot afford any more slip-ups.
And by the same degree, this is still a serious team. It’s a testament to France’s depth that they can leave out two players of that calibre, have the injuries they currently do, and still put out a team like this. Italy’s line-up is good but it still seems unlikely to be able to live with France.
However we do feel as if they will make a go of it and won’t get blown out like Wales did in Week 1, so we’re going for the over on Total Points.
Louis Bielle-Biarrey to score 2+ tries
With Penaud missing we also like winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey to score twice.
Six Nation Betting Tips
Saturday, 2:15pm – Wales v Ireland
James Lowe, Dan Sheehan and Mack Hansen all to score tries
Ireland to score 15+ points in each half
Saturday, 4:45pm – England v Scotland
Tommy Freeman to score a try and England to win
Duhan van der Merwe to score 2+ tries
Sunday, 3pm – Italy v France
Total Points: Over 53.5
Louis Bielle-Biarrey to score 2+ tries
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