2011 Six Nations Rugby - Week 1 Betting Preview

The 2011 RBS Six Nations tournament kicks off on Saturday with Wales hosting England, Italy taking on Ireland and France hosting Scotland.

Wales vs England, Cardiff

England travel to Wales without three of their most influential players over the last year - lock Courtney Lawes, Captain Lewis Moody and flanker Tom Croft. England are still the bookies favourite (1/2 at Sportingbet where you can bet in Rands) but will run into a Welsh side that must be tired of losing in Cardiff (5 on the trot). England lose an edge in the forwards which should give Wales parity in general play although the scrums should go to England with Wales losing tight head Jones to injury.

As usual, Welsh coach Warren Gatland has a lot to say and for once we think he could back it up. Pity that.

Wales squeezing through by less than five looks like value at 5/1.

Italy vs Ireland, Rome

Ireland were very underwhelming in the Autumn internationals and look to be on the slide. They will have way too much fire power for Italy who will give them horns in the set piece. The Irish scrum has been very flaky in the last year.

Sportingbet give Italy a 12 point start and we think that Ireland will cover the spread at 10/11 and win by 10-15 (9/2).

France vs Scotland, Paris

France got trounced by Australia in November and will carry some scars although they were playing an experimental team. The old saying that you never know which French team pitches up still holds, but Coach  Lièvremont has a lot of talent to pick from and has to start delivering. Scotland beat the Boks in the soup but we just can't see them overcoming a huge challenge in Paris.

France (1/9) are favourites to beat Scotland (13/2) by more than 13 points (10/11).

Six Nations Outright

Outright Odds for the 2011 Six Nations at Sportingbet.co.za:

• England 7/4
• France 5/2
• Ireland14/5
• Wales 8/1
• Scotland 16/1
• Italy 125/1

The odds that there will be no Triple Crown winner are currently 7/4 which looks like good value as we predict Wales to upset England this weekend and England going on to win the competition.

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