Six Nations Round Three Preview

England and Wales will put their 100% Six Nations records on the line when they clash at Twickenham in round three of this year’s competition on Saturday February 25, K.O 4pm.

Both sides are two from two going into this highly anticipated fixture which could well decide the destination of the 2012 title and even potentially a Grand Slam crown.

But it is Wales who have been marginally more impressive during weeks one and two – Warren Gatland’s men battled to a fine win against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin before outclassing the Scot’s back home at the Millennium Stadium.

Already on the back of their fine World Cup showing which more than overshadowed England’s effort on the global stage, Wales look to be the real deal and they rightly hold favouritism for the contest at 8/11 from scratch.

Seldom do England start as underdogs at Twickers however Stuart Lancaster’s side will have to step up considerably on their narrow opening victories against Scotland and Italy to oust the Welsh who look set to carry their momentum through once again.

England receive three points on the standard handicap at 10/11, but although this should be a tight affair, that quote does not really give the backer too much in hand.

France were authoritative if nothing else during their comprehensive 30-12 win over Italy in week one, however they will be looking to rediscover a swift rhythm after seeing their second week fixture at home to Ireland ruled out due to frost.

That particular match at the Stade de France has been rearranged for March 4 – and the French will now be hoping to go into it with a 100% record still intact after facing Scotland at Murrayfield.

Philippe Saint-Andre’s side often do just enough to succeed, but whilst the handicap should be ignored from a betting perspective, France’s match odds of 4/11 should be snapped up and readily coupled with Wales.

The aforementioned postponement between France and Ireland is likely to have frustrated the latter to much greater effect due to the fact that Declan Kidney’s men were turned over by Wales despite a typically valiant effort on a par with their agonising efforts in the World Cup.

Barring a complete disaster, Ireland should get up and running in week 3 at home to Italy and an emphatic result would be sure to inject a major confidence boost into the squad ahead of the crunch match with France.

The match betting, which puts Ireland up at 1/10, is obviously not much use to the majority of punters so this fixture should be the only one of the weekend to warrant a handicap wager.

Italy fought bravely in defeat to France and England however they will have to work hard to maintain that level of performance against the Irish – especially as by trend the Azzuri’s legs usually start to wain as the competition wares on.

Ireland are 10/11 giving the visitors a 15 start and this can be covered providing that the hosts are able to click back into gear from the off following their wasted trip to Paris.

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20/02/2012     © Frixo 2024