Scotland vs. Wales (Saturday, 14:25pm):
As per usual, Scotland started the tournament as a dark horse. They have improved tremendously over the last 24 months, proof of which was shown two weeks ago when they beat a very strong Irish side.
Scotland deservedly won that game, and in doing so, sent a message to their rivals; "We're no longer just a colder version of Italy."
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Unfortunately, they were undone when France had their way with them last week, beating them 22-16. However, at times, Scotland were the far superior side.
Wales on the other hand, started the tournament well with a thumping of Italy 7-33 only to be hung out to dry by the English in the dying seconds last week.
Scotland pose a different problem than the English; they are much more physical and don't kick they ball down the line as much.
With a win and a loss a piece, and both sides coming off of the back of narrow defeats, these teams will be out for blood to keep their hopes alive.
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If Scotland show up to play, and Murrayfield gives an especially electric show, I would tip Scotland to take it by a narrow margin.
Suggested bet:
Scotland to win - 6/5
Ireland vs. France (Saturday, 16:50pm):
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Now this should be good! Ireland are coming off the back of a record-breaking win against Italy and are looking in fine form indeed. Last time out, they beat an Italian side who are really just there to give everyone else a bonus point.
Ireland set the record for largest point's margin in an away game in the Six Nations (53 points) and really did give the Italians a good hiding. Exactly what the doctor ordered after they needed after dropping points against Scotland a week before.
France lost their first game at Twickenham but bounced back by beating a feisty Scotland side. The French look like a more dangerous attacking force this year, but can still be weak when their opponents are barraging them in their own half and if any team this year has the forwards to do that all game, it's Ireland.
France will be looking to take their chances against an Irish side looking who can sometimes look vulnerable at the back. I do expect Ireland to win and if Johnny Sexton is fit, Ireland could well have the ability to truly make this France side pay for their lapses of concentration.
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Suggested bet:
Ireland (-4.0 handicap) 10/11
England vs. Italy (Sunday, 15:00pm):
Italy are coming off the back of two thumpings and are, in all likelihood, likely to receive a third against England.
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I am so confident that England will win this game that if they don't, I'll buy a pizza for the one person in the country with the balls to stick a fiver on Italy.
It's not a matter of 'if' the Sweet Chariot mows over the poor Italians, its more a matter of 'by how much'. Ireland put a significant number of points past Italy last week, having picked up the bonus point before half time.
England need to be aware that, to have the best chance of being crowned champions this year, they have to take advantage of the Italians' annual lack of form.
They should be looking to get around the 50 points margin to keep up with Ireland's point's difference.
Suggested bet:
England (-24.0 Second Half handicap) 10/11
Words by: Aaron Reilly
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