Six Nations - Round Three Tips

With the fallow weekend, it’s felt like an age since the second round of fixtures but 2025 Six Nations action returns on Saturday for a crucial weekend of games.

Often referred to as a key round of fixtures in the middle of the championship, Saturday will see Wales host Grand Slam contenders Ireland, while England will take on old rivals Scotland at Allianz Stadium.

Rome will be the setting for the conclusion of this crucial round, with Italy playing hosts to France at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday.

Tip 1 - Ireland -22.5 handicap @ 17/20

Starting in Cardiff and Wales face a daunting task when they welcome reigning Six Nations champions Ireland to the Principality Stadium.

Wales are beginning a new era after Warren Gatland’s disappointing second tenure ended with defeat to Italy in Rome earlier this month.

Ireland go into this game on the back of a convincing 32-18 win over the Scots at Murrayfield and they will take some stopping to be denied a bonus-point win in Cardiff.

Interim Wales boss Matt Sherratt can only do so much with the players he has available to him and even with Ireland making seven changes from the side that beat Scotland, the Irish have the depth to not only win but cover the -22.5 handicap in the process.

Tip 2 - Scotland +8.5 handicap @ 17/20

England will be looking to finally end their disappointing run in the Calcutta Cup when they host oldest rivals Scotland at Allianz Stadium.

The Scots have enjoyed a great run in this rivalry, winning all of their last four encounters with the English.

Going in search of a remarkable third consecutive win at Twickenham, Scotland will head south of the border knowing they can cause England problems.

Steve Borthwick’s side will need to prove their shock 26-25 win over France last time out was not a flash in the pan and that they can back it up with a long-awaited win over the Scots.

Scotland are dealing with injuries and were taught a lesson against the Irish, so a win might be beyond Gregor Townsend’s side this weekend.

However, Scotland has the quality to strike from anywhere on the pitch and can make this a tight game, so the visitors with a +8.5 handicap looks the way to go here.

Tip 3 - Italy +17.5 handicap @ 17/20

On the back of a 22-15 win over Wales, the Azzurri will be ready to step up to the challenge of hosting a wounded French side in Rome.

The last time these sides met, Italy were denied a famous victory at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, as a late penalty from Paolo Garbisi struck the upright for the game to end 13-13.

France were made to work for the win on their last trip to the Stadio Olimpico in 2023, with Les Bleus beating the Azzurri 29-24.

Given the close nature of recent Six Nations clashes between these sides, Italy, with a +17.5 handicap, gets the nod here.

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Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation