2008 Six Nations Betting Preview: Week Three

This weekend sees the kick off of another round of 6 Nations rugby. With three rounds left in the tournament the title fight is still wide open. Ireland, Wales and France are all in the mix, along with an England side seemingly determined to wrest the wooden spoon from Scotland.

This weekend will see three intriguing matches take place, with the game between England and France likely to have a major impact on the rest of the tournament.

Wales vs. Italy: Saturday 3pm, Millennium Stadium - Cardiff
Italy are unlikely to trouble Wales in Cardiff in the first game of the weekend. Although Wales will be fielding several new faces as coach Warren Gatland explores the depth of Welsh rugby, Nick Mallet’s squad is equally unsettled as he desperately seeks a back line to play with his excellent forward pack.

Boylesports have already handed a win to Wales in the 6 Nations betting markets, pricing them at 1/8 6 Nations odds. Gambling Guru backs this price as it’s hard to see how Italy can pick up their first win of the season against a Welsh side playing with real confidence.

Ireland vs. Scotland: Saturday 5pm, Croke Park – Dublin
A massive battle looms for the Celtic teams as they confront each other at the home of Celtic sports in Ireland. With Ireland showing glimpses of their undoubted potential in Paris two weeks ago, it’s difficult to see how the Scots can prevail.

Despite having metronomic kicker Chris Paterson at their disposal, the Scots will need to conjure up some tries to have any chance in this encounter.

Gambling Guru doesn’t see this happening, and sees the Scots suffering a massive thrashing as the Ireland team rediscovers its confidence. Sportingbet have Scotland at 9/2 6 Nations odds to take a win at Croke Park, with 6 Nations betting on winning margins for Ireland an attractive option for this game.

England vs. France: Saturday 9pm, Stade de France – Paris
England could, theoretically, beat France on Saturday. That is if they give up the high standards of good sportsmanship that have seen them gift the ball to the opposition for the duration of the second half of each of their 6 Nations games so far.

While France are redefining the term ‘renaissance’ with some of the best looking rugby seen in years, their fluent backs may run into problems against a rock solid England pack and midfield defense. The game is certain to be a thriller, and the result is likely to hinge on England’s performance after half-time.

This game should offer some good 6 Nations betting opportunities, with totesport pricing England at 7/4 6 Nations odds.