With the RWC In sight, everyone turns to the warmup games to get a preview of what to expect in September. We take a look at the clashes involving Six Nations teams from a betting angle.
SCOTLAND v FRANCE – Click here to bet
Scotland
After a third-place finish in the Six Nations earlier this year and a recent win over Italy, Scotland have proven their worth and shown they are very capable of winning against the bigger teams. Given they are drawn with Ireland and South Africa in the World Cup they will need at least 1 big scalp to make the quarter-finals.
France
France’s recent second place finish, with only one loss in 5 games, at the Six Nations has shown that they are a force to be reckoned with and they will be looking to fine tune preparations ahead of hosting the Rugby World Cup in just over a month. With an eye on squad depth a number of key players including du Pont are sitting this one out.
Head-to-Head
In their last four meetings, France have managed to come out victorious in three of the games. Two of these wins came at Murrayfield showing France have what it takes to defeat Scotland away from home.
Handicap: Scotland -2.5
VERDICT
With the quality shown by both teams at the recent Six Nations, I am expecting a close contest. Despite Scotland playing on their home ground, France’s recent form and strength up front is what has me expecting them to take the victory at Murrayfield, even if not at full strength.
I expect it to be a close game though and will back the French to win by no more than 7 points.
Suggested Bet:
Winning Margin: France by 1-7 at 39/10
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WALES v ENGLAND – Click here to bet
Wales
After a poor performance in the Six Nations, with only one win out of their fives games, Wales will want to prove themselves and gain confidence before the World Cup. This will make them highly motivated to perform in their warmup games and they do at least have a favourable draw with a very realistic route to the quarter-finals.
England
England did not have a very successful Six Nations, with only two wins in their five games, putting them in a similar position as Wales and needing to prove their quality and potential before the World Cup. Like Wales they also have a pretty soft World Cup draw and an expectant fan base will settle for nothing less than a semi-final place.
Head-to-Head
England have won the last four of their five clashes with Wales and while only one of those was at The Millenium Stadium in Cardiff it was the last meeting between the sides earlier this year.
Handicap: Wales +5.5
VERDICT
With both teams wanting to build confidence before the World Cup, an intense game is on the cards. An English and Welsh clash is never a given for either side, but based on recent form I think the English are the more settled and should take the win reasonably comfortably.
Suggested Bet:
Winning Margin: England by 8-14 at 19/5
IRELAND v ITALY – Click here to bet
Ireland
Ireland, coming off a grand slam win in the Six Nations and having won their last 11 consecutive games, will be a very challenging opponent for any side in their current form. Expectations are high for the Irish in the World Cup and they will be looking to test combinations and fine tune their game plan with an eye on the big matches in the weeks ahead.
Italy
Following a victory-less Six Nations campaign and a loss to Scotland in their first World Cup warm up game, Italy will be eager to get a win under their belt ahead of the World Cup. They have reasonable chance of progressing from the group stages and a solid performance here will go along way to boosting their confidence.
Head-to-Head
Ireland have won their last five games against Italy, with three of them at home and two of them away. Italy put up a fight in their most recent contest, resulting in Ireland not winning as convincingly as they have in the past.
Handicap: Ireland -24.5
VERDICT
With a combination of Irelands recent form and them playing at home, they should be able to comfortably beat the Italians although it may take them some time to get on top of the visitors.
Suggested Bet:
Handicap: Ireland -24.5 at 10/11
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
