Six Nations Matchday Three Tips

The Six Nations returns on Saturday after a brief break and a Calcutta Cup showdown is perhaps the pick of the fixtures on matchday three.

The opener sees heavy favourites Ireland host a Wales side who have lost both of their opening matches in agonisingly close fashion, with a combined losing margin of just three points.

The late game on Saturday is arguably what draws the eye as Gregor Townsend’s exciting Scotland side face England, who are fortunate to be two from two this campaign, at Murrayfield.

Tip 1: Scotland to win by 1-12 points @ 31/20

Despite winning both of their opening two encounters, Steve Borthwick may not be overly happy by what he has seen from his England side so far in the tournament.

The Red Rose were 17-8 down at one point to perennial wooden spoon winners Italy in Rome, while they were also close to losing at home to a Wales side who saw eight players take to the field with fewer than 10 international caps, before eventually seeing out a 16-14 victory.

Both the Welsh and the Italians were many bookies favourites to finish in the bottom two this year, so England’s trip to Edinburgh is likely to prove a far sterner test.

Scotland also edged out Wales in a thriller in Cardiff on matchday one, almost squandering a 27-0 lead to win 27-26, before a controversial 20-16 defeat to one of the tournament favourites France, after a post-80th minute try was ruled out due to lack of conclusive evidence on the grounding.

The Scots may therefore go into this fixture more fired up than usual - although they hardly need any more reason than facing the old rivals - and key figures could be set to return to the fold.

The likes of Magnus Bradbury, Hamish Watson and, most notably, Blair Kinghorn could all start on Saturday afternoon, with the latter scoring 12 points in four games for Stade Touloussain since his mid-season move.

Each of the last five meetings have seen the two teams separated by no more than a converted try and, with Scotland winning each of the last three head to heads, they will feel more than confident of causing more England heartache with another victory.

Tip 2: Scotland to score the first try @ 10/13

Scotland have been fast starters this tournament, scoring the first try against both Wales and France, and intensity from the off should be expected again on Saturday.

The Scots have also crossed the line first in five of the last six meetings with England, who have started slow in both previous Six Nations games this year, going behind against both Wales and Italy in the first half.

The creativity of fly-half Finn Russell and pace of backs such as Duhan Van Der Merwe could be pivotal in Scotland causing issues for England early on, so expect the Scots to go ahead early doors at Murrayfield.

Tip 3: Ireland to win by 21-30 points @ 13/5

Pre-tournament favourites Ireland look to be firmly on course to become the first side ever to win back-to-back Grand Slams after sweeping away the competition in 2023.

A 36-0 thumping of Italy last time out followed a statement 38-17 victory over fellow favourites France in Paris; their largest ever winning margin in the French capital.

Against a Welsh side without a win this tournament, another drubbing could be in the offing and 13/5 odds for a healthy winning margin between 21 and 30 points looks good value.