Mike Tindall in action for England during the RBS Six Nations
Make sure you don’t miss out on betting for one of the world’s biggest sporting events, the RBS Rugby Six Nations. England, France, Ireland, Wales, Scotland and Italy go head to head in this ferocious tournament. Let’s take a look at the contenders and the odds you can get:
England
As current title holders, the pressure is on for England to retain the Six Nations trophy. Currently standing as third favourite to win the competition behind Wales and France, England look a solid bet with the new 32 man squad featuring plenty of fresh faces, including bright youngster Owen Farrell.
With Mike Tindall and Danny Care left out of the squad and Toby Flood and Manu Tuilagi injured, all eyes are on the new boys as England travel to Scotland for their first match of the tournament, kicking off on 4th February.
Get odds of 11/4 for England to win the Six Nations at Bet365.
Scotland
Scotland takes on England at home on the opening day of the competition as Andy Robinson’s team look to turn things around after a disappointing last term, where they finished second to bottom level on points with Italy.
Scotland will miss Paterson’s impressive points tally as they prepare for the competition, while Tom Ryder joins the squad to replace injured Fraser McKenzie.
Bookies predict Scotland will be battling against Italy to avoid the wooden spoon, but The Celts could just have something up their sleeve.
Get odds of 18/1 for Scotland to scoop the Six Nations title at Bet365.
Ireland
Although unlikely to take home the trophy, Ireland still looks a tough contender this year. After defeating Australia at the World Cup hopes are high, but after the retirement of a number of important players, including the loss of O’Driscoll, triumph looks less likely.
Declan Kidney’s side won the Grand Slam in 2009 and denied England the same victory last year. With three matches at home in the competition, Ireland could be a good outside bet.
Get odds of 6/1 for Ireland to win at Bet365.
Wales
Wales is likely to be France’s greatest threat this year, especially with Warren Gatland’s men keen to avenge their World Cup defeat.
The Welsh won Grand Slams in 2005 and 2008, with star-studded teams. This year the side is fighting fit and looking strong.
The final game sees Wales play France at home, which could well prove to be a title decider.
Get odds of 5/2 for Wales to take home the trophy at Bet365.
Italy
Italy will be looking to avoid the wooden spoon this year as competition underdogs. At 125/1 Italy looks unlikely to make much of a stir, though Jacques Brunel’s side is getting stronger every year.
Sergio Parisse is a ferocious leader and, with 83 caps, his experience is replicated throughout the squad with a side packed full of veterans, especially up front.
Don’t rule out an impressive performance from Italy in the 2012 competition.
Get odds of 125/1 for Italy to triumph at Bet365.
France
Currently 7/4 favourites, Les Bleus are a great value bet for punters. After reaching the World Cup Final, suffering an unlucky defeat by New Zealand, and addressing the coaching problems that plagued the side previously, France are now surely the strongest rugby union side in the world.
Winning the Grand Slam in 2010, the side were surprisingly defeated by both England and Italy last year before finishing second.
Phillipe Saint-Andre’s men will be hungry to put this disappointment behind them and start out with a winning performance as they take on Italy in the first match of the championship.
Get odds of 7/4 for France to lift the trophy at Bet365.
The Six Nations Championship kicks off on February 4th with France vs. Italy at 2.30pm followed by Scotland vs. England at 5pm.
