themightyduck

This spread has been beaten in 3 of the last 4 meetings between these sides. The English pack today is one of the best in world rugby and I can see it totally dominate the Scots in this game. They put 48 points on the board against Wales, and I think they can do something similar against a poor Scotland team. Scotland will score points themselves, and I think we can have another high-scoring game.

Ireland had a narrow win by only 5 points last year in Rome, but their home form against Italy has never been a concern. Even with a new-look Irish team and an improved Italy side, I still think Ireland will win comfortably based on their home form.

This is a big four-try plus handicap to beat, but the last time these sides met was in March last year in Cardiff, with England winning by 54 points. I think this spread is very generous. If anything, I think England have improved since then, winning all their Autumn internationals, including against New Zealand and Argentina. Wales have been in decline for some time, and though they beat England in July last year, that was their first win since November 2023. They shipped 73 points against South Africa most recently, and I think England can beat this spread very comfortably.

The last time these sides met was in March last year in Cardiff, with England winning 68-14. Wales shipped 73 points to South Africa in their last competitive match, and it's hard to see them keep an improved England side to a small score. Without Wales even scoring at Twickenham, I think England can amass a big score here and put down a marker for the Six Nations.

Italy have always been wooden spoon favourites in the Six Nations, but that has changed in recent years. They won away at Cardiff in 2022 and 2024, and also beat Scotland in 2024, which shows they can be competitive in this competition. Italy have, in fact, won their last five outings, including beating Australia in the Autumn internationals. I think they can have a good tournament. They may not beat Scotland, but to stay within touching distance is a solid bet here, and I think Italy, on current form, can cover this spread.

France lost this fixture against Ireland in 2024, but I can't see that result happening again. Ireland still haven't sorted out the outhalf position, and Prendergast still has a lot to learn before he's anywhere near the standard of Sexton or O'Gara. Add to that the loss of Porter and Furlong from the Irish front row, and Ireland are really up against it. France thrive on quick ball, and only losing one lineout in last year's Six Nations gives them a great platform to achieve that. I think France can run out easy winners here.

This is a big handicap, as Ireland actually won this fixture the last time it was played in 2024. But things have changed since, and the fact that France won on Irish soil last year by 14 points should point you in the right direction to predict beating this spread. Ireland are without Furlong and Porter from their front row, and the Irish scrum is really up against it. With Prendergast lacking experience at out-half, and Aki and Lowe missing, the Irish back line also lacks experience (Stockdale starts for the first time since 2021). I think Ireland will really struggle here, and France, with the return of Dupont, can run up a big score.