3 minute read

The final round of the Six Nations is upon us, with all six national sides playing on Saturday to decide the final permutations of the 2023 Championship.

All eyes will be on Dublin, where England are faced with the mammoth task of upsetting the Grand Slam-bound Irish the day after St Patrick's Day and a week on from the 53-10 thumping at the hands of France.

All the odds are stacked against England, and the market reflects that: England are 15/2 to defeat 2/13 Ireland, which means for punters who fancy a true upset a straight England win offers more than enough value.

But the question most will be asking is by how much Ireland will win, rather than whether they will. Some might be tempted to go big, but Ireland to win by 15+ is at only 5/6 such is the bookies' confidence England are in for another long 80 minutes.

The more interesting winning margin bid is therefore offered by a scenario in which England at least curtail the Irish storm, with an Irish win by 8-14 paying out 16/5.

England, admittedly dreadful against France, have surely somewhat rallied in the wake of their historic hammering, and it's important to note that much of the scoring came down to just how clinical and brilliant the French were.

For scorers, look no further than wing James Lowe for Ireland who is now at Evens to cross anytime, such has been his brilliance this Championship. Mack Hansen, immense against Scotland, is 5/4 while Johnny Sexton - who is due to become the Six Nations' record scorer in his last match in the tournament - is 7/1 to pick up a fairytale try.

Without Ollie Lawrence, go with England's wings Henry Arundell, 7/4, and Anthony Watson, 3/1, as the visitors seek width to get around the dominant Irish pack.

From the last match on Saturday to the first, where 1/6 Scotland take on 38/5 Italy at Murrayfield. What was once the almost-traditional wooden spoon decider should now be an enticing game of attacking rugby, with Italy looking to respond to an ego-bruising loss to Wales last week and Scotland seeking to end on a high and secure a third-placed finish.

In that vein, total points could offer some value with over 55 coming in at around 15/16, with both sides capable of getting caught up in the festive atmosphere of the final day - and Italy without Ange Capuozzo a much weaker side.

Scotland should have enough to win, with Scotland –12 at 4/6 a good marker. Italian Pierre Bruno at 10/3 anytime tryscorer is good value, as is Duhan van der Merwe for Scotland at 7/10 who has been one of the players of the tournament.

Lastly to France, who maintain the slimmest of chances of winning the tournament if they can produce a bonus-point win over Wales in Paris. Bookies have them at 14/1 to lift the title.