Six Nations Round 1 Preview and Tips

This is a cracking game to kick-off the Six Nations 2022 between last year’s winner the Welsh against a team who continually underperforms in the Six Nations in the Irish. Despite Wales being hit by injuries in the lead-up to the tournament opener, the squad they have named is still strong enough to make some of the better teams really worry. The Irish have named a strong squad led by captain Johnny Sexton, but they will no doubt be wary of the Welsh who were injury ravished during last year’s Six Nations, yet still managed to win the lot. Wales has to make the trip to Dublin without the likes of Alun Wyn Jones, George North, Ken Owens, and Taulupe Faletau, just to name a few.

It’s going to be a tough task for Wales coming into Ireland, but I think this match will be a lot closer than the bookies predict, especially if both sides bring their Autumn Nations form to the fore. I will be siding with the home team in a close one.

Last Match:

21 November 2021: Ireland 53 – 7 Argentina

20 November 2021: Wales 29 – 28 Australia

History:

Played 132 times: Ireland 55, Wales 70, Draw 7

In Ireland: Played 65: Ireland 32, Wales 28, Draw 5

Last Time:

07 February 2021: Wales 21 – 16 Ireland in Wales

Predictions:

Tip: Ireland ($1.12)

Line: Wales +14 ($2.00)

Margin: Ireland 1-12 ($2.80)

*Prices via Bet365

This match is by far the game of the round which is going to take place in a wet and windy Scotland. Eddie Jones has named an injury-hit line-up for their opening match with Owen Farrell and Jonny May missing due to injury but will be boosted by the inclusion of Joe Marchant from his COVID protocol competition. Scotland has named a strong side and will be looking to maintain their enthusiasm as the reigning champs of the Calcutta Cup. There is no doubt that Finn Russell holds the key to Scotland’s success, and despite the likely dominance of his opposite number, his success will be dictated by the breakdown and which back-row wins the tug-o-war.

England has already started playing the mind games in the lead-up to this match calling themselves the underdogs when in reality they are expected to win. This match can really make or break England’s campaign and in Scotland’s eyes, nothing would be better than breaking the English hearts once again. Scotland to win in a close, low-scoring game.

Last Match:

20 November 2021: Scotland 29 – 20 Japan

20 November 2021: England 27 – 26 South Africa

History:

Played 139 times: Scotland 44, England 76, Draw 19

In Scotland: Played 70: Scotland 30, England 29, Draw 11

Last Time:

06 February 2021: England 6 – 11 Scotland in England

Predictions:

Tip: Scotland ($2.30)

Line: Scotland +2 ($2.00)

Margin: Scotland 1-12 ($2.75)

*Prices via Bet365

The last match of the round features probably the most one-sided affair of the competition, where the title favourites France host likely wooden-spooners Italy. France has a history of playing well in the tough games and failing miserably against a side they should really put away. Consistency is a big key for them and that rests with their crafty scrum-half Antoine Dupont and whichever fly-half they decide between Jalibert or Ntamack. They have firepower all over the field but the question this year is whether they are mentally ready to put teams to the sword when the going gets tough. Italy is so far behind the others in this competition, that it really isn’t funny anymore. They face a tough campaign with away games to France and Ireland in their first three games with it being split with a home game against England.

Italy will go winless again this tournament and I believe every team will beat them by more than 12 points. France on the other hand can win the whole thing if they stay mentally focused. France wins this in a canter.

Last Match:

20 November 2021: France 40 – 25 New Zealand

20 November 2021: Italy 17 – 10 Uruguay

History:

Played 45 times: France 42, Italy 3

In France: Played 24: France 23, Italy 1

Last Time:

06 February 2021: Italy 10 – 50 France in Italy

Predictions:

Tip: France

Line: France -35 ($1.90)

Margin: France 13+ ($1.07)

*Prices via Bet365