Last weekend, the Six Nations tournament began with World Cup runners up England firmly established as the favourites to regain the title that they lost to Wales last year. However, things didn’t quite go to plan for Eddie Jones’ men as they were downed by France in Paris 24-17, with the young French side leading 24-0 early in the second half before England staged a late unsuccessful fightback.
In the other games, Wales, as expected, despatched Italy comfortably in Cardiff, picking up a bonus point for running in four or more tries, while in Dublin, Ireland and Scotland fought out a hugely competitive game with the home side coming out on top 19-12, although like England, Scotland earned a bonus point for their efforts for losing by seven points or fewer.
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Let’s now give you a quick recap of how the games went in the Six Nations on the opening weekend of action.
Six Nations – Week One Results
- Wales 42-0 Italy – Bonus Points Earned – Wales 1, Italy 0
- Ireland 19-12 Scotland – Bonus Points Earned – Ireland 0, Scotland 1
- France 24-17 England – Bonus Points Earned – France 0, England 1
Six Nations Table
- Wales – 5 pts
- France – 4 pts
- Ireland – 4pts
- England – 1pt
- Scotland – 1pt
- Italy – 0 pts
In addition to winning four points for a victory, a team can also earn a bonus point if the score four or more tries in a game (as Wales achieved against Italy). Furthermore, if a team loses by 7 points or fewer, then the losing team can claim a bonus point.
If a team loses a match by seven points or fewer and also scores four or more tries, then they will receive two bonus points.
Drawn games see the teams receive 2 points each, plus any bonus points awarded based on their performance and the score.
If a team completes the Grand Slam, then they will be awarded an additional three bonus points to ensure that they win the Six Nations title, regardless of any bonus points awarded in other games.
Week Two Matches and Preview
Saturday 8th February
Ireland v Wales (2.15pm)
Having both picked up wins in their opening games, both these teams will be more than satisfied with how the opening weekend of Six Nations action went for them and even though this is only a Week 2 fixture, the outcome of this game could go a long way towards deciding who eventually lifts the Six Nations title.
Andy Farrell’s Ireland did well to beat Scotland in their opener and that result will give Ireland a shot in the arm after a disappointing World Cup. Ireland’s problem could be a lack of experience down the spine of the team, a factor which the vastly experienced Wales side will hope to take full advantage of.
Warren Gatland’s successor Wayne Pivac saw his team get off to a flyer against Italy, but he will know a much sterner test lies in store for the World Cup semi-finalists. As Grand Slam holders, Wales will want to claim their 10th Six Nations win in a row in Dublin and I feel that their edge in experience may just see them achieve that.
Top Tips for Ireland v Wales
- Wales to win (+3.5 handicap) – Evens
- Wales to win by 1-10 points. 11/4
Scotland v England (4.45pm)
Both these teams went down to defeats in their opening game and as such, both will know that a defeat here would likely end their hopes of landing the Six Nations title for 2020 after just two games. As such, the pressure will be on both teams in this battle of Auld enemies.
Scotland have a point to prove after going out of the World Cup in the group stage, losing to Ireland and Japan during that tournament, while England World Cup runner’s up, were expected to land a win in Paris at the weekend, only to produce a somewhat disappointing performance that a late rally failed to overcome.
These two teams have played out some epic battles in recent times, including an incredible 38-38 draw between the teams at Twickenham last year and the year before Scotland ended a run of nine wins for England with a 25-13 win at Twickenham. One thing is certain, it is likely to be feisty and a very close contest when the teams meet again on Saturday. I do fancy England to win it, just, but with the handicap available on the Scots, that makes them the best pick in the handicap market.
Top Tips for Scotland v England
- Scotland to win (+8.5 handicap) – 10/11
- England to win by 1-10 points – 7/4
Sunday 9th February
France v Italy (3pm)
Fabien Galthie’s young squad, which are being built up for the 2023 World Cup in France, put together an impressive display in beating England in Paris in the opening weekend and they should find things much easier against an Italy team that was well beaten in Cardiff by Wales last weekend.
Italy’s interim head coach Franco Smith will know that his team’s performance in Cardiff was below par and he will be wanting a reaction to that in equally difficult circumstances in Paris. However, given the energy, pace and youthful exhuberance of this French team, allied to their undoubted potential, this looks like being another tough afternoon for Italian Rugby Union fans.
A lack of tries is hurting the Italians, they scored just 10 in the 2019 Championship and drew a complete blank against Wales last time out. They will hope to expose a young French defence on Sunday to at least get some points, but I still feel that the French will run out comfortable winners and likely claim a bonus point into the bargain.
Top Tips for France v Italy
- France to win (-26 handicap) – 10/11
- France to win by 31-40 points – 3/1
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