Six Nations Round 2 – Predictions, Tips & Multi

What a fascinating Round 1 of the 2021 Six Nations we got to enjoy last week. We had a great Saturday with both of our bets landing, however, Peter O’Mahony and his red card had other ideas for our third bet and multi.

It’s another week and another chance to get a full house. Our punter Neal Hoogwerf has provides the best bets for the weekend’s action which you could use as single bets or in a multi.

England v Italy

Saturday 13 February – 16:15

England were handed their first defeat of the year as Scotland defied the odds to overturn a 38 year-long losing streak at Twickenham. Eddie Jones’ chargers will be looking inwards as a lack of intensity and directness led to the disastrous start to their title defence of the Six Nations. The post-match statistics made for grim as the six points scored was their lowest at home in the championship since 1988. To compound the misery, Scottish Captain Stuart Hogg beat more defenders than the entire English side.

Italy head for their first fixture on the road after seven-try France brushed them aside in Rome. Had it not been for a Luca Sperandio solo effort, it would have led to the ignominy of a record defeat by France. It’s tricky to look for many positives within this Italian side as they have now succumbed to 28 consecutive losses in the Six Nations.

England continue to be a side that struggles to beat big handicaps against lesser opposition. The recent head to head reads that only beaten Italy by more than 37 points in one out of the last seven fixtures between the sides. As poor as Italy are, I’ll be cautiously siding with Italy to cover the spread this weekend.

Best Bet: Italy +36.5 at 1.74

Scotland v Wales

Saturday 13 February – 18:45

Scotland continued their recent rise after claiming a shock 11-6 victory over England. Scotland seem to be a shadow of their former selves resulting in a physically and tactically astute performance driven by hard-working loose forward Hamish Watson and ex-England u20 star Cameron Redpath. There is quiet optimism for Scotland to push for their first grand slam in 31 years.

Wales overturned their recent international slump by grinding out a win against 14-man Ireland in Cardiff. It wasn’t smooth sailing for Pivac’s side as they were forced to overturn a seven point half time deficit to leave Ireland scoreless in the second half. It took a mercurial finish from speedster Louis Rees-Zammit to drive the advantage home and record their first victory over Ireland in 4 attempts.

As impressive as Scotland were, it will be difficult to replicate the intensity that they showed last weekend. Scotland have only beaten Wales by six points twice in the last 15 meetings between the sides. Add to the fact that Wales will be upbeat following their return to winnings ways, I expect a tight affair.

Best Bet: Wales +5.5 at 1.84

Ireland v France

Sunday 14 February – 17:00

Ireland were reduced to 14 men after a Peter O’Mahony red card scuttled their chances of recording an away victory in Cardiff. Ireland looked impressive for most of the first half as direct running from Andrew Porter and Robbie Henshaw often led to gain line success. On an injury front, it’s reported that pivot Jonny Sexton will be missing for the hosts.

The French made light work of an Italian side by dispatching them by 50-10 in Rome last weekend. Les Bleus dazzled as they provisionally enter Round 2 at the summit of the table. Fabien Galthie’s side were efficient, daring and clinical. The win against Italy has extended the French unbeaten run in the Six Nations to five matches.

It’s tough to go against France as they have been on a tear since the start of 2020, owing to a 9-2 record which includes victories over all their European counterparts. Ireland are traditionally a superior side at home, having failed to record a loss in Dublin against France in 10 years. I believe history is there to be rewritten and I’ll be backing this red-hot French side to record a victory.

Best Bet: France to win at 1.54

Value Bet: France 1-12 at 2.40

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