Six Nations Round 2 Preview and Tips

Even though history has sided with Wales in the past, especially in Wales, this year is a different kettle of fish with two vastly different squads and mentalities. Wales were plain, to say the least in their battle with Ireland, beaten for pace around the ground and they just couldn’t handle their brilliance. One thing they lacked was cohesion in attack which they are going to need to fix in a hurry when they face this defensively tough Scottish outfit. They were impressive holding out England at home, showing grit and determination in defence and at times brilliance in attack. Wales is weak at the moment, and this is the best time for Scotland to really take advantage of them.

Scotland will be on a high after winning the Calcutta Cup off England and they are going to need every bit of that confidence and self-belief when they head to Cardiff. This is going to be a tight game and will come down to which team takes the chances given to them and converts them accordingly. Scotland in a tight one.

Last Match:

06 February 2022: Ireland 29 – 7 Wales

06 February 2022: Scotland 20 – 17 England

History:

Played 127 times: Wales 74, Scotland 50, Draw 3

In Wales: Played 63: Wales 46, Wales 17, Draw 0

Last Time:

13 February 2021: Scotland 24 – 25 Wales in Scotland

Tip: Scotland ($1.75)

Line: Scotland -2 ($2.00)

Margin: Scotland 1-12 ($2.45)

*Prices via Bet365

This is the game of the round with both teams coming off good wins and the French officially recalling 15 players for this clash. France was dominant in their match with Italy, but I am sure they weren’t expecting the fight from Italy for the full 80 minutes. With the extra players recalled, the question will be will it instantly make them more consistent, or will it further hurt them. Ireland was that impressive in their opening game in attack, defence, and speed at which they were able to switch between the two. You really could have put All Blacks jerseys on them, and you wouldn’t have known the difference, that’s how good they were. They will need every bit of that brilliance when heading to France, as history is against them, but this is a new year. Ireland hasn’t lost a test since they faced France this time last year, will it continue?

Ireland is the outsider in the betting and a silly price. I think they can win this game in a close one.

Last Match:

07 February 2022: France 37 – 10 Italy

06 February 2022: Ireland 29 – 7 Wales

History:

Played 100 times: France 58, Ireland 35, Draw 7

In France: Played 48: France 34, Ireland 12, Draw 2

Last Time:

14 February 2021: Ireland 13 – 15 France in Ireland

Tip: Ireland ($2.50)

Line: Ireland +3 ($2.00)

Margin: Ireland 1-12 ($3.00)

*Prices via Bet365

I was very impressed with the fight from Italy in their opening game against the French and despite going down convincingly, you could tell this Italian squad isn’t just going to be easy pushovers in their future matches. This poses a big issue for an English side who is lacking in confidence and missing some key cogs in their line-up. They were adequate against Scotland but failed to match their intensity at times and they didn’t capitalise on their opportunities when they were presented. England has never lost to Italy in their 28 clashes, but their matches have been a lot closer when they have been played in Italy.

I said last week that Italy will lose every match by at least 12 points, and I will stick with that prediction here. Despite England being less than impressive, they should just have enough firepower to take apart Italy, but the 24.5 line is ludicrous. England will win but Italy with the +24.5 head start is a nice bet.

Last Match:

07 February 2022: France 37 – 10 Italy

06 February 2022: Scotland 20 – 17 England

History:

Played 28 times: Italy 0, England 28

In Italy: Played 11: Italy 0, England 11

Last Time:

13 February 2021: England 41 – 18 Italy in England

Tip: England ($1.03)

Line: Italy +24.5 ($1.90)

Margin: England 1-12 ($4.00)

*Prices via Bet365