Scotland-France headlines Six Nations Round 2

Following a thrilling opening weekend in the Guinness Six Nations - where Ireland, England and Scotland showcased vastly differing styles of victory - the second round of action pits that trio of victors against round one losers in the form of Italy, Wales and France respectively.

Six Nations trophy. Picture: AAP Image

The headline contest is likely to be Saturday's meeting between a rejuvenated Scotland and a French outfit licking their wounds from a 38-17 defeat to Ireland last Friday in Marseille.

A first-half red card for lock Paul Willemse left France with a difficult hill to climb, with Ireland taking full advantage in a five-try performance.

Scotland, meanwhile, almost let a 27-0 lead slip, prevailing 27-26 against Wales at the Principality Stadium on Sunday.

Wing Duhan van der Merwe notched a brace, and could once again factor against a French side who allowed Ireland wing Calvin Nash to cross the whitewash in round one.

Given Scotland allowed the Welsh pack to power over for three tries, anytime try scorer bets could focus on the likes of hooker Peato Mauvaka, lock Paul Gabrillagues and captain Grégory Alldritt.

France are considered –4.0 favourites, which appears to be a well-set line, but we would expect an emphatic response from the talented Les Blues' ranks - a 6-10 point victory (9/2) for the visitors is an enticing proposition.

In Saturday's other contest England, who defeated Italy 27-24 in round one, take on Wales, who produced 26 unanswered points to close the contest against Scotland. England are –11.5 favourites (10/11) on the handicap, but the play could be to take +11.5-points on Wales.

England have won three of the last four meetings between the two countries, with all three of those victories by 10 points or less.

Hooker Jamie George, along with wings Tommy Freeman and Elliot Daly could be the plays for the try scorer market. For Wales, No.8 Aaron Wainwright was excellent against Scotland, and will be eyeing a place on the scoresheet once again.

Sunday's game sees Ireland, who romped home against France, take on an Italian side buoyed by that strong showing against England.

Ireland are tipped to win by around five converted tries, which seems reasonable given they notched five times in Marseille and held a potent, albeit undermanned, French attack to just 17 points.

Statistically, Ireland have scored 57, 50, 56 and 58 in their past four Six Nations meetings with Italy at the Aviva Stadium - boasting winning margins of 51, 33, 37 and 43. In those performances the teams have shared nine, eight, 11 and 11 tries.

The ploy may be a coverage bet on the exact number of tries in the contest – with six priced at 15/2, seven at 11/2 and eight at 5/1. Given Italy's improved performances over the past 12 months, covering the three could bring a small profit.

Focus in the try scorer markets should be on the Irish hookers – both Dan Sheenan and Rónan Kelleher crossed in Round One.

Best Bets:

France to win by four points or more Wales to cover +11.5 points in defeat Dan Sheenan to score two tries

today's racing

Error occured
{{disciplineGroup.DisciplineFullText}}
{{course.CountryName || course.Country}}