Handicap lines available for early Six Nations fixtures

The opening round of Six Nations fixtures feels that little bit closer now that the French authorities have given the all-clear for Les Bleus’ clash against Italy to go ahead in just under three week’s time.

Whilst guarantees are still being sought over coronavirus testing protocols ahead of later trips to Ireland and England, the news from France at least allows everyone to plan for some rugby, including the bookmakers.

Handicap lines are now available for all three Six Nations Fixtures in round one and it is the last of the three matches on Sunday 7 February, Wales v Ireland, that has caught our attention.

This is the fourth time the sides have met on the opening weekend since the championship was expanded to include Italy in 2000 and the margins between the two have grown ever tighter as the years have gone by.

The first time they met at such an early stage was in 2002 when Ireland recorded what is still a record round one victory: 54-10.

Ireland also won 19-9 in the only previous round one match to be played in Cardiff in 2007.

Since then, Wales have beaten Ireland 23-21 in 2013 and, most recently, the sides shared the spoils 16-16 in 2016 – the only round one draw in 63 round one championship matches.

Close call?

The bookmakers expect this one to be equally tight with Ireland starting as two-point favourites.

Both teams had disappointing years by their own high standards under new head coaches in 2020.

However, Andy Farrell’s Ireland look that little bit further down the line in their development than Wayne Pivac’s Wales.

Also, Ireland have the physicality that Wales have lacked at times of late and they should be strong enough and good enough to win by at least one score.

Scots unfairly written off

The only previous corresponding fixture between England and Scotland at Twickenham in round one ended in a 42-20 victory for the men in white in 2007.

This year the bookies make England 17-point favourites, which may have slightly underestimated how much more aggressive Scotland are at the breakdown now.

England have not been prolific scorers of late and with plenty of survivors from their epic 2019 draw at Twickenham still around, Scotland will feel they can push the hosts harder than that.

French to prosper in Italian job

Italy are given an 18-point start in Rome in the first Six Nations fixture of 2021.  

The only previous time the Azzurri faced down the French at this stage of the championship was in  2007 when they lost 39-3.

Somewhere between that 36-point margin and the 18-point handicap might be about right.