We head into Round 3 of this year’s Six Nations before the competition takes a short break. While the opening rounds have produced some standout performances and a couple of surprises, the picture at the top of the market has become much clearer. France have asserted themselves early and now look the team everyone else has to chase, while the rest of the contenders are already playing catch-up. Below, we take a betting-focused look at the three fixtures this weekend and highlight a few suggested plays.
Outright Betting Update
France have strengthened their position at the head of the outright market after two dominant wins and are now trading at 1.10 to lift the Six Nations trophy. England, following their defeat to Scotland, have drifted to 9.00, while Scotland sit at 21.00 after bouncing back strongly in Round 2. Ireland’s opening loss to France has seen them pushed out to 51.00, with Italy (101.00) and Wales (201.00) considered rank outsiders at this stage of the tournament.
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SATURDAY
England v Ireland – Click here to bet
England’s impressive winning streak came to an abrupt halt last weekend when they travelled to Edinburgh and were outplayed by Scotland. The Scots delivered one of their finest performances in recent memory, winning 31–20 and ending England’s Grand Slam ambitions.
Ireland, meanwhile, hosted Italy in Dublin and ground out a 20–13 victory after a tight and physical contest. That result came a week after their disappointing 36–14 home defeat to France, leaving them with mixed momentum heading into Round 3.
Head-to-Head
Ireland have enjoyed the upper hand in this rivalry in recent years, winning four of the last five meetings between the sides. England’s only win in that stretch came in 2024, when they edged Ireland by a single point thanks to a late drop goal.
Betting and Verdict
The bookies have England as favourites heading into this weekend, trading at 1.18 for the win, while Ireland are at 6.00. The draw is currently priced at 31.00.
Handicap: England [-12.5]
England have been strong overall, but they are coming off a loss, while Ireland arrive with confidence after a gritty win. Notably, England have not beaten Ireland by more than 12 points since 2019, across eight meetings in that period. While England should have enough to win at home, Ireland are well equipped to keep this competitive.
Suggested bet: Handicap, Ireland [+12.5] at 1.87
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Wales v Scotland – Click here to bet
Wales endured another difficult outing last weekend, this time against France. An early French onslaught saw them trail 26–7 at half-time, and the second half offered little respite as France added a further 28 points. Wales managed just one try in response during a punishing 54–12 defeat.
Scotland, in contrast, enjoyed a memorable weekend, beating England 31–20 to reclaim the Calcutta Cup in front of a raucous home crowd. It was a superb response after their shock opening-round loss to Italy.
Head-to-Head
Scotland have had the edge in recent meetings, winning each of the last three encounters. Last year’s clash finished 35–29 in Scotland’s favour at Murrayfield, while the previous meeting in Cardiff ended in a narrow 27–26 away win for the Scots.
Betting and Verdict
Scotland are heavy favourites, trading at 1.08 for the win. Wales are priced at 9.50, with the draw at 41.00.
Handicap: Wales [+18.5]
Scotland come into this fixture full of momentum, but their history against Wales suggests these games are often closer than the market expects. Playing at home, Wales should be able to show more resistance and make this a tougher contest than the odds imply.
Suggested bet: Handicap, Wales [+18.5] at 1.87.
SUNDAY
France v Italy – Click here to bet
France have made a flawless start to their campaign and look firmly locked in on a Grand Slam push. They opened with an emphatic 36–14 win over Ireland at home before following it up with a dominant 54–12 victory away to Wales last weekend.
Italy have also begun the tournament in encouraging fashion. They opened with a statement 18–15 win over Scotland in Round 1 and then pushed Ireland hard in Dublin last weekend, eventually losing 20–13 after failing to convert late pressure into points.
Head-to-Head
Italy have not beaten France since 2013, when they claimed a 23–18 victory. Last year’s meeting ended in a heavy 73–24 defeat for Italy at home. However, the 2024 clash in France told a different story, finishing 13–13 after Italy missed a late penalty that would have sealed a famous win. Trailing at the break, Italy mounted a strong second-half comeback and came agonisingly close to an historic upset.
Betting and Verdict
France are overwhelming favourites, trading at 1.008, while Italy are priced at 22.00. The draw sits at 71.00.
Handicap: Italy [+29.5]
While France are clearly one of the strongest sides in world rugby, Italy’s progress over the past six months is undeniable. They have beaten Australia, pushed South Africa hard, defeated Scotland, and taken Ireland to the wire. France should still have enough to win comfortably, but Italy look capable of keeping this closer than the handicap suggests.
Suggested bet: Handicap, Italy [+29.5] at 1.87.
Note all prices correct at time of posting but subject to change.
