Scotland to kick off in style
The opening fixtures of the Six Nations conclude on Saturday afternoon, starting with the clash at Murrayfield as Scotland take on Italy at 2.15pm.
Scotland have won the last six meetings against Italy whilst the Azzurri – who are 1.04 favourites to finish bottom of the standings – have just one win from their last seven visits to Edinburgh.
Gregor Townsend’s men have won five of their last six home internationals – scoring 198 points and conceding 115 – whilst the last three victories over Italy have come by a winning margin of 24 points or more.
The Scots look certain to start off their campaign on a positive note and backing the hosts to win by 21-30 points at 3.40 looks to provide the most value.
Ireland to edge past England
A heavyweight battle takes place at the Aviva Stadium at 4.45pm as defending champions Ireland – who are 3.25 to become the first nation to win back-to-back Grand Slams since France in 1998 – take on England.
Joe Schmidt’s men have won their last six internationals – with a victory over world champions New Zealand and a series win Down Under particular highlights – whilst they have triumphed in their last 13 home matches.
England are on a two-game winning run, having gotten the better of Japan and Australia, but they have lost four of the previous five away matches.
Ireland have won the last two meetings against the Red Rose – winning 13-9 and 24-15 – and another tight encounter should be expected.
The hosts just have the edge in terms of squad strength heading into the contest and backing Schmidt’s side to win by a margin of 1-10 points at 2.75, looks like a smart bet.
Irish fly-half Jonny Sexton will once again be crucial throughout the Six Nations and he looks good value at 2.50 to finish as the top tournament points scorer.
