RBS Six Nations matchups begin this weekend, including an interesting one between England and Wales on Saturday. Here you can find a team-by-team rugby breakdown before deciding on your bet.
England didn’t play to their potential last year and finished as the runner up. However, they were the top try scorers and the losses to Ireland and Wales enable them to finish the tournament tied with France and Wales on points. England didn’t look any better in the Autumn internationals with inconsistent forward play. At Twicikenham, they will be using an attacking frame of mind with some key players back like Matthew Tait and Riki Flutey. The pressure is on Nick Easter to make a difference at attack and Danny Care takes over at scrum half. The squad looks strong on paper but they will have to execute.
England’s opening fixture against Wales is one of only two home games, the other being powerhouse Ireland. Their final and possibly toughest match comes against France. England has three Six Nations Titles to their name. Their largest losing margin to Wales has been 25 and England averages 12.71 points against them.
On the other side of the ball, Wales is looking to improve upon their fourth place finish last season but are nowhere near as strong as they were in 2008. The front row is their greatest strength with Matthew Reeds, Adam Jones and Gethin Jenkins. Wales will need to slow down England’s historically good forwards. Full back Lee Byrne is eligible to play after a controversy on Osprey as a 16th man in the Heineken Cup. Byrne moves James Hook into midfield. England is slower than in years past so speed and mobility is important.
Wales beat England 23-15 last year and looked impressive in the Autumn internationals. They should settle in at least fourth place, possibly third with home matches against Italy and Scotland. Matches against England and Ireland may put a title out of reach. Jenkins will be the deciding factor for Wales in carrying the team. Wales averages 11.09 points per game against England.
Historically, the two teams are all knotted up at 53-53-12.
England Outright Six Nations Odds
5/1 at Bwin
England v Wales Match Odds
England to win: 4/6 at SportingBet
Draw: 20/1 at Paddy Power
Wales to win: 6/4 at SportingBet
Wales Outright Six Nations Odds
5/1 at Paddy Power
England v Wales Match Odds
England to win: 4/6 at SportingBet
Draw: 20/1 at Paddy Power
Wales to win: 6/4 at SportingBet