Six Nations Predictions 2025 – Round 3

England aim to build on their thrilling win over France when they host a determined Scotland at Twickenham later in the day, while Les Bleus strive to bounce back when they face Italy in Rome on Sunday.

Wales v Ireland

When: Saturday, 22 February – 16:15

A side in shambles face a team in tiptop shape in the first of the weekend’s games.

Wales’ 22-15 defeat to Italy, which extended their record losing streak to 14, was the final straw and saw Gatland’s disastrous second term in charge come to an end.

Cardiff coach Matt Sherratt has been roped in to take over in an interim capacity and to say he has his work cut out for him would be an understatement. Wales simply don’t have the talent at the moment to be competitive in the championship but moving on from Gatland is at least a step in the right direction.

Ireland put in a complete performance to brush Scotland aside 32-18. It was a step up from their 27-22 opening-round triumph over England and they’ll look to continue their progression heading into the likely title decider against France in Round Four.

The two-time defending champion Irish will know they can expect a re-energised Wales who’ll put their bodies on the line, but the difference in class will be apparent and will see the men in green march on.

Prediction: Ireland by 26.
Suggested Bet: Ireland -24 at 1.90.

England v Scotland

When: Saturday, 22 February – 18:45

With the Calcutta Cup on the line, these old rivals will have extra motivation to climb into one another at Twickenham.

First contested in 1879, it is one of the oldest international rugby fixtures, steeped in tradition and dramatic narratives that span over a century. When the BBC broadcast the Calcutta Cup match in 1938, it was notable for being the first-ever live-televised rugby international.

In terms of outright wins, England have 71 to Scotland’s 44, with 16 draws. However, Scotland have won the last four meetings on the trot, so they’ll arrive at Twickenham with a psychological advantage.

England, though, are on a high following their last-gasp 26-25 win over France in which they finally got over the hump against a top team, whereas Scotland – for all their hype and promise – were embarrassed by Ireland at home.

With a massive confidence-boosting win and a promising new playmaker in Fin Smith, England should end the agony against the Auld Enemy.  

Prediction: England by 10.
Suggested Bet: England -8 at 1.90.

Italy v France

When: Sunday, 23 February – 17:00

Poor Italy are in for a French backlash following Les Bleus’ shock loss to England. For their part, Italy have been solid, giving Scotland a bit of a scare before soundly beating Wales. They’ve made giant strides since Gonzalo Quesada took over at the start of last year and won’t die wondering.

In addition to their Round Two shocker, France were held to a 13-all draw by the Azzurri last year, so they won’t take them lightly. The England encounter really was an off day for the French, with even Antoine Dupont looking human, but their power game will see them bounce back in Rome.

Prediction: France by 17.
Suggested Bet: Italy +18 at 1.90.