Six Nations predictions: England vs Scotland, Wales vs Ireland, Italy vs France

Six Nations: Jones previews England v Scotland

The Six Nations is back with fans eager to absorb some more high-quality rugby. The 2021 edition begins this weekend with Italy vs France kicking things off. The French narrowly missed on the title last year to England, who won the championship via points difference.

England play Scotland in the opening weekend but their fourth-round clash with France could have a huge say on this year’s title.

Ireland and Wales, however, may have something to say about that.

The Irish and Welsh meet on Sunday to close out the first round of fixtures.

To help predict how the action might unfold, Express Sport has consulted with the Betfair Exchange.

The figures shown are based on fans have been betting on the Six Nations matches.

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Betfair spokesperson Sam Rosbottom said: “International rugby returns to terrestrial television this weekend with the beginning of the Six Nations.

“The competition was augmented last year, having to be postponed halfway through due to the Coronavirus pandemic before England won in November.

“Rugby fans have therefore not had a long wait to see the Red Rose back in action and they have a 48% chance of winning the competition for the second year in succession.

“Their main rivals for the championship look to be a resurgent French side who are next in at 29% ahead of Ireland on 22%. 12- time champions Wales have just a 3% chance of success ahead of Scotland (1%) and Italy (> 1%).

“One of the interesting sub-plots to the Six Nations is whether any side can go unbeaten through the tournament and win the Grand Slam – Wales were the last side to do so in 2019. Punters are favouring no team winning the Grand Slam at 52% with Eddie Jones’ England the most likely side to do so at 33% ahead of France at 14%.

“England captain Owen Farrell is the lynchpin of England’s team and the captain is a solid contender to be the top points scorer in the competition at 50% ahead of Ireland’s number 10 Jonny Sexton at 18%.

“Another England starlet Jonny May heads the betting in terms of the top tryscorer market at 18% with Wales’ Josh Adams (12%) and France’s Teddy Thomas (11%) others to watch throughout the tournament.

“In terms of this weekend’s action, France are strong favourite to make a perfect start to the competition with victory over Italy.

“Fabien Galthe’s side have a 95% chance of winning, with Italy at 7% and the draw at 2%.

“Reigning champions England begin their defence at Twickenham where they take on the auld enemy Scotland.

“Eddie Jones’ side have an 88% chance of victory according to punters with Gregor Townsend’s side at 17% and the draw at 3%.

“In the final game of the weekend, Wayne Pivac’s Welsh dragons take on Ireland in a cracking clash at the Millennium Stadium.

“Ireland, coached by Owen Farrell’s father, are favourites with a 62% chance of success ahead of Wales at 42% and the draw at 13%.”

First Week Fixtures

Italy 7%
France 95%
Draw 2%

England 88%
Scotland 17%
Draw 3%

Wales 42%
Ireland 62%
Draw 13%

Betfair Six Nations winner

England – 48%
France – 29%
Ireland – 22%
Wales – 7.7%
Scotland – 5%
Italy – > 1%

Grand Slam winner

No Grand Slam – 52%
England – 33%
France – 14%
Ireland – 9%
Wales – 3%
Scotland – 1%
Italy – 0.2%

Top points scorer

Owen Farrell – 50%
Jonathan Sexton – 18%
Matthieu Jalibert – 17%
Dan Biggar – 14%
Finn Russell – 9%
Leigh Halfpenny – 5%
Paolo Garbisi – 2%

Top Tryscorer

Jonny May – 18%
Josh Adams – 12%
Teddy Thomas – 11%
Duhan van der Merwe – 8%
Damian Penaud – 8%
James Lowe – 6%
Antoine Dupont – 5%
Keith Earls – 5%
Jordan Larmour – 5%
Gabin Villiere – 5%

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