Six Nations 2018: Week 5 Odds and Betting Preview

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With just one week to go before the end of the 2018 edition of rugby union’s Six Nations tournament, the destiny of the title has already been decided. Holders England were the ante post favourites but two straight defeats for Eddie Jones’ men mean that Ireland take the trophy ahead of this weekend’s closing fixtures.

There’s still plenty to play for however with the Irish seeking to claim the Grand Slam while any one of four teams can still finish in second place so we’re heading for a thrilling climax. Here’s what week five has in store for us.

Italy v Scotland

All three games take place on Saturday this week and in the early kick off, bottom of the table Italy host Scotland in Rome. Not only are they are at the foot of the table, Conor O’Shea’s side are without a single point but this may be their best chance of getting on the board as they tackle the Scots.

Scotland have two wins and two losses and away from home they may just be vulnerable but Gregor Townsend’s side start as clear favourites at 1/10 with William Hill. Italy can be picked up at best odds of 9/1 with Betway while the draw is right out at a top price of 50/1 with Bet365 and MarathonBet.

The Scots have been an unpredictable side this season and, having been overrun by the Welsh on the opening day, they upset the odds with that impressive win over favourites England. There is potential for a further surprise but Italy have been woeful and we can’t envisage a shock in this one.

England v Ireland

In a sense, England have been worse than Italy this year: Champions over the last two seasons, all the talk at the start of the tournament was over a potential Grand Slam which was kept on track following opening wins against Italy and Wales.

Neither victory could be called convincing however and it was perhaps inevitable that England’s defence would fall apart with losses to the Scots and the French. Now, with Ireland homing in on that Grand Slam, this game should only be going one way.

The Irish are favourites for the second match of the day at best odds of 51/50 with MarathonBet. England are available at a top price of 11/10 with Boylesports while the draw is quoted at a best of 22/1 with Bet365 and Unibet.

England will have that home advantage but based on form against a rampant Ireland, it’s hard to see how they can upset this market.

Wales v France

The French claimed that victory over England in Paris last week but that win has rather masked what has been a poor series for Jacques Brunel’s side. Their only other success has been against a weak Italian unit and fortunes are unlikely to change when they travel to Cardiff in the final Six Nations match of 2018.

Wales are in pole position to take second place this year and Warren Gatland’s men are favourites for this one at best odds of 4/11 with SkyBet. Victory for France can be claimed at a top price of 3/1 with Betway while the draw completes this market at a best of 33/1 with Boylesports.

France will carry some confidence over from last week’s win but this is another of this weekend’s games which should go with the favourites.

Verdict

Aside from England’s two defeats, there have been few surprises as far as this season’s Six Nations is concerned with other games going to the favourites. We’ve mentioned that Italy may have a chance in Rome to upset the market but while they have beaten bigger nations in the past, they have been poor this year.

Scotland’s inconsistency gives us hope but they should come through, albeit in a tighter game than those prices suggest. Scotland to win by 11-20 points is the bet there at 11/4 with Ladbrokes.

Next up is England v Ireland and there should be enough value in the result market without resorting to the side betting. Odds against prices are available on all three possible outcomes but it’s hard to see how England can recover after two dismal performances to adequately challenge this year’s Champions.

That just leaves the Wales vs France game which is not the epic contest that we’d like to bow out with. Wales should come through comfortably but the French have some momentum after that victory last weekend and they should run Warren Gatland’s men close. The winning margin market could also be an option here but Wales could start slowly and there is potential for value in the half time / full time betting where France / Wales carries an exceptional price of 13/2 with BetFred.