Anticipated Outcomes for Six Nations Championship 2025 - Round 2
Lifting the Game
With first impressions made, it's time to step up the game for France, Ireland, and Scotland, while England, Italy, and Wales aim to bounce back in Round Two.
Saturday will see the Italians and the Welsh lock horns in Rome, followed by a heated Le Crunch at the English rugby ground. The Six Nations comes to a close on Sunday with a fierce clash between the Scots and Ireland at Murrayfield.
Italy v Wales
Kick-off: Saturday, 8 February - 16:15 SAST
Italy proved their mettle in defeat, while Wales struggled in their first match. The Azzurri were impressive in their 31-19 loss to Scotland, despite a slow start, and deserved a losing bonus point for their grit. On the other hand, the Dragons were defeated 43-0 by France, a setback for a team with an average age of 24, full of passion and enthusiasm. This match promises excitement. Italy needs to start quicker and show creativity, while Wales will be driven by redemption. However, it's Italy's discipline and Tommy Allen's precision that could tip the scales in their favor.
Prediction: Italy by 4. Suggested Bet: Wales +6.5 at 1.90.
England v France
Kick-off: Saturday, 8 February - 18:45 SAST
England showed promise in the first half against Ireland but faded in the second, a familiar issue for the team this season. Highlights included their intensity, carrying, speed, and defensive structure. However, the fact that they crumbled post-halftime indicates continued struggles. Meanwhile, France delivered a dominant performance against Wales, displaying ferocious play and setting high expectations for their next challenge against England. Although they had periods of inaccuracy, the French will strive for improvement in this contest, making it tough for England, who have often struggled against Les Bleus.
Prediction: France by 12. Suggested Bet: France -4.5 at 1.80.
Scotland v Ireland
Kick-off: Sunday, 9 February - 17:00 SAST
Both teams are aiming to up their game following underwhelming performances. Scotland, particularly, fell short of their best against Italy, with Finn Russell's off-day affecting the team's performance. Conversely, Ireland secured a bonus-point victory over England, but the performance was below their usual high standards. Stylistically, the Irish team matches up well against the Scots, having won their last 10 encounters. Expect this trend to continue.
Prediction: Ireland by 5. Suggested Bet: Scotland +6.5 at 1.80.
Six Nations Betting Tips
Quintin Van Jaarsveld, a former MDDA-Sanlam SA Local Sports Journalist of the Year and former Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal Sports Journalist of the Year, offers his insights into the Six Nations.
- Despite a slow start in their first match, Italy, powered by Tommy Allen's precision and discipline, presents an exciting challenge for Wales, aiming to redeem themselves from their loss to France.
- England's intensity and defensive structure were on display against Ireland, but their inability to sustain their performance post-halftime suggests continued struggles. In comparison, France, despite periodic inaccuracies, delivered a dominant display against Wales and anticipates another challenging encounter against England.
- Scotland and Ireland, seeking improvements following underwhelming performances, will face each other in a stylistically matched contest. With a history of 10 consecutive victories, Ireland is expected to continue their winning streak against Scotland.
- In the Six Nations sports-analysis, Quintin Van Jaarsveld suggests placing a bet on Wales +6.5 at 1.90 for the Italy vs Wales match, France -4.5 at 1.80 for the England vs France match, and Scotland +6.5 at 1.80 for the Scotland vs Ireland match.
- As the Six Nations Championship unfolds, teams such as France, Ireland, and Scotland will need to raise their game and learn from their initial encounters. Meanwhile, England, Italy, and Wales brace themselves for Round Two, hoping to avoid repeating the periods of underperformance that plagued them in round one.
