Six Nations Round 3 Preview and Tips

Scotland in the past has made it difficult for France and I expect this weekend’s game to be no different in Scotland. Scotland was bold against Wales but they were no match in the end despite some trying efforts. Scotland started well and looked to continue on their form from their Calcutta Cup victory against England but it wasn’t to be as Wales showed a much more ‘fresh’ performance in front of their home crowd. France on the other hand continued their dominance of the Six Nations. France of the past might have let a solid performance slip in the dying stages, especially being ahead by only one point with ten minutes to go, but they didn’t panic and closed the game out well.

Scotland will need to show a much more poised showing if they are to get over this French outfit, and I think they can show some solid fight like they have all tournament. France should be too good in the end but expect this to be closer than anticipated.

Last Match:

13 February 2022: Wales 20 – 17 Scotland

13 February 2022: France 30 – 24 Ireland

History:

Played 98 times: Scotland 39, France 56, Draw 3

In Scotland: Played 47: Scotland 27, France 19, Draw 1

Last Time:

26 March 2021: France 23 – 27 Scotland in France

Tip: France ($1.36)

Line: France -7 ($2.00)

Margin: France 1-12 ($2.40)

*Prices via Bet365

This game is the match of the round with a rejuvenated Welsh side who will be looking to continue on their form against an English outfit that held Italy to nothing. Wales deserved their victory at home against the Scots, showing a much-improved showing than their round 1 loss and showing some real tenacity for a side that is far from their best. England will be riding the wave of their 33-0 win over the Italians in Rome and will look to give their home fans something to cheer in their first home game of the season. Marcus Smith was instrumental in their first two games in the Six Nations and he will be coming into this with even more confidence as the squad is bolstered by the returns of Courtney Laws, Jonny Hill, and Manu Tuilagi.

Despite all of this, England still looks a bit clunky and I expect the Welsh to be in this for a long way before the English finish them off.

Last Match:

13 February 2022: Wales 20 – 17 Scotland

14 February 2022: Italy 0 – 33 England

History:

Played 137 times: England 65, Wales 60, Draw 12

In England: Played 69: England 41, Wales 20, Draw 8

Last Time:

27 February 2021: Wales 40 – 24 England in Wales

Tip: England ($1.14)

Line: Wales +14 ($2.00)

Margin: England 1-12 ($2.90)

*Prices via Bet365

This is going to be a one-sided affair as one of the early tournament favourites takes on the lowly Italians. Ireland was really good but failed to match it with the talented French outfit. It was a bold effort considering they were missing their Captain and fly-half Johnny Sexton, who has since returned to camp and is a big chance to play this weekend. Coach Andy Farrell still holds a firm belief that they can still win the title, so I am expecting Ireland to come out guns blazing. Italy on the other hand, let’s just wait and see.

I said in my Round 1 article that Italy will lose every match by at least 12 points, and I will stick with that prediction here. Ireland by a big margin!

Last Match:

13 February 2022: France 30 – 24 Ireland

14 February 2022: Italy 0 – 33 England

History:

Played 33 times: Ireland 29, Italy 4

In Ireland: Played 17: Ireland 16, Italy 1

Last Time:

27 February 2021:Italy 10 – 48 Ireland in Rome

Tip: Ireland ($1.002)

Line: Ireland -39 ($1.90)

Margin: Ireland 13+ ($1.05)

*Prices via Bet365