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Ireland v Wales. Irish stalwart Brian O’Driscoll will step out to earn the 100th cap for his country on Saturday, as Ireland v Wales takes place at Croke Park. This is a crucial game for Ireland if they still have dreams of retaining their Six Nations title, which they won for the first time last year. After losing so heavily in Paris to France, the rails looked to have come off the Irish challenge for this year, but, despite being under the cosh for long period of the game against England at Twickenham, Ireland grabbed a dramatic win, thanks to two tries from Tommy Bowe, to keep them in the hunt. France top the group at the moment with three wins from three, with England and Ireland behind them on two wins each. Now Ireland need to win their last two games well, and hope that England do them a favour by beating France in the last round of fixtures.

Ireland dramatically won the Grand Slam last season at the Millennium Stadium, in a thrilling match, helped by Stephen Jones missing a last minute penalty for Wales. The Irish were pushed all of the way and could well have lost, and memories of that will be ringing around the Irish dressing room on Saturday. Ireland should remain unchanged from the starting fifteen which took on England so well at Twickenham. The Irish showed a lot of determination and resilience, despite not having much of the ball at all, but they possessed one thing that the English did not have. Clinical finishing. Ireland won the game 20-16, after being on the back foot for most of the game. Following a dour win against Italy in their opener, and then the crushing defeat to France, there were doubts over whether Ireland could replicate what they did last season. As good as team as they, they rode their luck then, but with the French side so powerful this season, any frailties exposed will be the thin line between them retaining the title and not. Two years ago the Welsh beat the Irish in Dublin.

For Wales, this season has been all about thrilling entertainment, which, unfortunately for them, has resulted in just one win from their opening three matches. In all of their matches so far, Wales have found themselves behind in the early stages of the game, having to always play catch up. Against England, Scotland and France, they staged some thrilling second half comebacks, taking risks in running and throwing the ball around. In other words, doing what Wales do best. However, the Welsh defence has not been good at all, and their best defensive displays have come when they are attacking and recycling the ball at pace. The comeback strategy worked against Scotland, but failed against England and France.

There has been little continuity by Wales, which is what you would naturally associate them with. Their scrum has not looked as steady either, and they have their fair share of problems with injury in that area, losing the majority of their front line. Mr Consistency himself Martyn William will become Wales most capped forward when he leads his nation out on Saturday, just five short of the magical 100 mark. Wales haven’t managed to put a whole game plan together for 80 minutes yet, and that’s probably what they will need to do against Ireland, if they want to repeat their success of two year ago at Croke Park. It is hard to delineate whether Wales are as bad as their results have suggested. There have been passages of play which they look anything but a cohesive team. Other passages have shown how dangerous they can be when they put things together.

Wales try to employ the same blitz defence which the French do so well. This kind of living-on-the-edge defence can look frail when it doesn’t work, and there is not a great margin of error for it. The Irish should have the edge in the pack, although their scrimmaging has come under some scrutiny. Another area in which Ireland should be able to attack is in the line out. Pound for pound, Ireland should be the better team in all areas, especially in defence, as shown against England. They probably haven’t got the overall speed and fluidity of the Welsh backs, but they have power and players who can turn the game with a flash of ingenuity.

Ireland v Wales Betting Stats

Ireland: W46, D6, L62
Wales: W62, D6, L46

Ireland biggest winning margin: 54-10
Wales biggest winning margin: 29-0

Ireland average points v Wales: 10.43
Wales average points v Ireland: 11.55

Match Prices
Ireland to win: 3/10 at Stan James
Draw: 25/1 at Totesport
Wales to win: 7/2 at SportingBet

Here are some important RBS Six Nations Betting Stats, which can help when planning your betting strategies. This is a big weekend in the Six Nations, with three matches which are hard to call. This has the potential of being one of the most explosive weekends of the tournament so far.

2010 Results to date:
Ireland 29, Italy 11
England 30, Wales 17
Scotland 9, France 18
Wales 31, Scotland 24
France 33, Ireland 10
Italy 12, England 17

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England v Ireland Betting Stats

England to win:

Draw: 20/1 at 888Sport
Ireland to win: 20/1 at Blue Square

England have won 70 matches
Ireland have won 44 matches
There have been 8 drawn matches

Largest winning margin England: 6-46
Largest winning margin Ireland: 43-14

England average points v Ireland: 11.80
Ireland average points v England: 7.95

2009 Result: Ireland 14, England 13

===========

Wales v France Betting Stats

Wales to win: 9/4 at William Hill
Draw: 22/1 at Bet365
France to win: 4/9 at SportingBet

Wales have won 43 matches
France have won 40 matches

Largest winning margin Wales: 49-14
Largest winning margin France: 51-0

Wales average points v France: 14.74
France average points v Wales: 14.43

2009 Result: France 21, Wales 16

===========

Italy v Scotland Betting Stats

Italy to win: 15/8 at Paddy Power
Draw: 22/1 at Bwin
Scotland to win: 4/7 at Totesport

Scotland have won 10 matches
Italy have won 5 matches

Largest winning margin Italy: 17-37
Largest winning margin Scotland: 15-45
Italy average points v Scotland: 19.07
Scotland average points v Italy: 23.87

2009 Result: Scotland 26, Italy 6

Saturday sees the second round of the Six Nations, with a crucial clash at the Millenium Stadium between two of last week’s losers. Either Wales or Scotland will get their championship on track with a victory down in Cardiff, and this can have huge repercussions about gaining momentum for the rest of the tournament. Wales played an error-ridden game against England, and looked uncohesive in the backs, which is where they are most expected to show a lot of potential. It was only in 2008 which they won the Six Nations, but they looked a long way short of that fluency and leadership which took them there. They did put up something of a spirited fight back against the English after the home side had stretched out a big lead at Twickenham after the sin-binning of Alun-Wyn Jones. That was just the main highlight of a lot of errors.

While the teams are usually a bit rusty on the opening weekend of the RBS Six Nations championships, Wales’ defeat will have left coach Warren Gatland with a lot of head scratching. While there were positives to take from the defeat, such as James Hook, the biggest change looks as it needs to come in the scrum half position, to try and inspire some fluency, but above all, accuracy. Richie Rees should get the nod, while Wales await’s the return of first choice scrum half Dwayne Peel from injury. The Welsh were also a mess at the line-outs, and the management staff will just be looking for more consistency, and an all -round step up in performance. The defeat will have put pressure on the whole team, and now Wales have now lost their last three Six Nations games and need desperately to stop the rot. Wales do favour the running game, but they need the forwards to try and stabilise positions first, giving them a platform. If they can expand against Scotland, then the Welsh will be the better team.

However Scotland will favour a more defensive tactic, and lean heavily on the kicking game, especially away from home. It was a tactic which England employed against the Welsh, albeit not a very accurate one, but it was still enough to keep Wales largely on the back foot. Wales will also face another deadly penalty kicker, just as they did in Jonny Wilkinson. On Saturday they will have the remarkable Chris Paterson, who just never seems to miss from anywhere, such an exemplary kicker he is. Now there is a big row over Scotland’s coach Andy Robinson not wanting the roof of the Millenium Stadium closed in the days leading up to the match. Both coaches have to agree to have it closed against the elements, therefore making for a hard surface. Naturally that would suit the running game of the Welsh, so naturally Robinson doesn’t want to give the opposition an advantage.

Scotland need to address some serious problems which were highlighted in their scrum. They literally got torn apart by a rampant and strong French pack, and if the forwards aren’t there for the Scots, then they will have problems. Scotland need to challenge at the line-outs, and slow the Welsh game down by controlling things in the forwards. Even if that happens, it looks unlikely that even on a good day, the Scots would be able to outscore the Welsh. Scotland do have big backs, but the speed of the Welsh backs should more than counter for that. A lot could depend on the condition of the pitch when it comes to kick off. Scotland would be happier with a slower game, mired in the mud, because a wet ball will be unlikely thrown around the Welsh backs as much. Scotland will have the important figure of Euan Murray in the scrum, as they need to step up a gear, and find the unity that saw them beat Australia in the autumn.

Wales v Scotland Stats

Matches
Wales: 64
Scotland: 48
Drawn: 3

Biggest winning margin
Wales: 22-46
Scotland: 31-10

Average points per match:
Wales: 12.30
Scotland: 10.25

Match Prices:
Wales to win: 2/7 at Bwin
Scotland to win: 9/2 at SportingBet
Draw: 25/1 at Bet365

England’s fate for the 2012 European Championship qualifying is now known, with a “local derby” to come against Wales in the qualification group. Although England boss Fabio Capello has a get out clause in his contract at the end of the 2012 World Cup, there are hopes abound that he will still be around to lead the nation at Euro 2012, which is jointly being held by the Ukraine and Poland. In their small qualifying Group G, England, one of the top seeds, also drew Switzerland, Bulgaria and Montenegro. If things go well at the 2012 World Cup, then England should be firm favourites to win the group and push on to challenge to become the European Champions.

Scotland drew the short straw after they were drawn in the same group as current European Champions Spain, and similarly tough opposition in the Czech Republic. The Republic of Ireland will fancy their chances against seeded team Russia, while Northern Ireland were drawn against seeded team Italy. With 52 teams in the draw, there are just fourteen places up for grabs, with the nine group winners and best runner up automatically proceeding. There will be a two leg play-off for the other eight runner’s up.

Qualifying for the European Championships, kicks in to gear not too long after the World Cup. Held over the course of just over a year, Euro 2012 qualifying starts in September and concludes in October 2011, with the play-offs held in November. Capello’s men, thanks to their seeding, have landed themselves a nice draw, and there will much expectation on them again. But first things first, there is a World Cup to deal with in South Africa, and England start their 2010 preparations on March 3rd in a home friendly against African Cup of Nations Winners Egypt.

Rep Of Ireland to win Group B – 7/2 at Boylesports
Northern Ireland to win Group C – 25/1 at Boylesports
Scotland to win Group I – 12/1 at Boylesports

Full Group Listing
A: Germany, Turkey, Belgium, Austria, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan
B: Russia, Rep of Ireland, Slovakia, Macedonia, Armenia, Andorra
C: Italy, Serbia, Slovenia, Northern Ireland, Estonia, Faroe Islands
D: France, Romania, Bosnia Herzegovina, Belarus, Albania, Luxembourg
E: Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Hungary, San Marino
F: Croatia, Greece, Israel, Latvia, Georgia, Malta
G: England, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Wales, Montenegro
G: Portugal, Denmark, Norway, Cyprus, Iceland
H: Spain, Czech Republic, Scotland, Lithuania, Liechtenstein

Latest Six Nations news update:

Injuries are grabbing the latest headlines ahead of the weekend’s matches. That and the pretty awesome Morgan Freeman “Invictus” promo video for the tournament, which has him reading William Henley’s famous poem (it’s the poem which Nelson Mandela had with him during his imprisonment). Ahead of the England v Wales game, Wales were dealt a massive blow when world class flanker Gethin Jenkins has picked up a calf injury which means that he won’t be able to take the field at Twickenham on Saturday. Jenkins is one of the world’s star players in his role, and his presence will be a major loss as the Welsh try to take England on up front. But England were similarly struck with the injury bug, as last seasons top try scorer Riki Flutey has withdrawn through injury. His presence will also be missed as England look to take a more creative, attacking approach to the game. Leicester’s Toby Flood will take over the number 12 shirt on Saturday.

Saturday’s other game sees Ireland take on Italy, with the Irish having to play up their confidence in their scrum, and is the one area where Italy could cause them problems. With the Irish expected to take on the defence of their Six Nations crown with some aplomb, the other nations will naturally be looking to find some kind of weakness there. Hooker Jerry Flannery has admitted that they need to improve their scrummaging from what was on display during the autumn. Italy will be without pivotal figure of Sergio Parisse for the entire 2010 RBS Six Nations Tournament.

Latest Match Prices
England to win: 8/13 at Totesport
Draw: 22/1 at Bwin
Wales to win: 6/4 at Bet365

Scotland to win: 5/2 at SportingBet
Draw: 25/1 at Paddy Power
France: 2/5 at Totesport

The home nations are all involved in the Euro 2012 draw which takes place on Sunday. The big event, taking place in Warsaw, Poland will happen around 11am, and there is extra interest ahead of the draw, as some of the home nations could end up in the same qualifying group. In fact, with the seeding as it is, there could be one interesting group of England, Wales and either Scotland, the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland, which would certainly set the cat amongst the pigeons in terms of UK pride over national teams.

England, understandably are ranked among the top seeds for the qualifying draw, which means they will avoid other powerhouses such as Spain, Germany, France and Italy. With 51 teams involved in qualifying, there is a race for just 14 places to reach the 2012 finals, which are held jointly by Poland and the Ukraine. The draw will place teams in nine groups, with the winners of those nine groups automatically qualifying. The best of the runner’s up will also get automatic qualification, with the remaining other eight runners-up going into a two-leg play, much the same as what happened for Qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in the European Zone. Poland and Ukraine naturally have already secured their spots as hosts.

England aside, the other home nations will be quickly keen to get back into action and put the disappointment of missing the World Cup behind them. Wales had a poor World Cup qualifying campaign, and it has been over a decade since Scotland were involved in the finals of a major tournament. New boss Craig Levein is hoping to change all that, and has spoken of how keen he is to pit his wits against the auld enemy, England. The Republic of Ireland of course, will be looking to redress all the furore surrounding their World Cup play-off loss against France, after Thierry Henry clearly handled the ball in the build up to France’s crucial winning goal. Northern Ireland performed will in a tough group with World Cup qualifying on the line, but they just could not battle their way into a runner’s-up spot.

There is hope there for all home nations, with Scotland, Northern and Republic of Ireland, all together in seeding pot number 3 for the draw. Wales will be drawn from seeding pot four. While there will be hope and optimism ahead of the qualification, the level of quality throughout the top four seeded groups is quite fierce. As shown during European qualifying for the 2010 World Cup, there are going to be no easy rides, although the likes of Germany, Italy, England and Spain will be favourites to book safe passage. Spain won the 2008 European Championships, thanks to a goal from Liverpool’s Fernando Torres against Germany in the final. The European champions are looking favourites to add the World Cup to their reign of football power.

The qualifiers for the 2012 European Championships, will take place between September 2010 and October 2011, and all seedings have been based on the UEFA national team coefficient system.

Pot 1: Spain, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, England, Croatia, Portugal, France, Russia

Pot 2: Greece, Czech Republic, Sweden, Switzerland, Serbia, Turkey, Denmark, Slovakia, Romania

Pot 3: Israel, Bulgaria, Finland, Norway, Republic of Ireland, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina

Pot 4: Slovenia, Latvia, Hungary, Lithuania, Belarus, Belgium, Wales, FYR Macedonia, Cyprus

Pot 5: Montenegro, Albania, Estonia, Georgia, Moldova, Iceland, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Liechtenstein

Pot 6: Azerbaijan, Luxembourg, Malta, Faroe Islands, Andorra, San Marino

Latest Outright 2010 Prices:
Spain – 6/1 at SkyBet
Germany – 8/1 at SkyBet
Italy – 9/1 at Stan James
Holland – 10/1 at Boylesports
England – 12/1 at Bwin

Team: England

Number of Six Nations Titles: 3

Finishing Position in 2009 Six Nations: 2nd

England vs. Wales Stats (All time):
England – W53, D12, L53
Biggest Winning Margin: England 62, Wales 5
Largest Losing Margin: England 0, Wales 25
England average points per game against Wales: 12.71
2009 Six Nations Result: Wales 23, England 15

Chances: England finished as runner’s up in last year’s tournament, but it was still considered to be a poor showing by Martin Johnson’s men. Positives to take were that they finished the tournament as the top try scorers, but their two defeats against Ireland and Wales meant that they finished level on points with France and Wales. There was a lot of criticism about the team selection and tactics employed by Martin Johnson, and ever the optimist, Johnson is confident he has the best squad that he could possibly put out. The Autumn internationals didn’t go too well for Johnson, as England looked flat and completely devoid of attacking ideas. The old powerhouse of England controlling everything wit the forwards is not there at the moment, and this is the time Johnson should be using to build a steady, consistent squad ahead of the World Cup.

Johnson has got some, but not all, important players back, and has decided to line up at Twickenham in an attacking frame of mind. Matthew Tait, one of the more dynamic England players get a start in the centre, while last year’s top try scorer Riki Flutey maintains his place in the side. By picking Nick Easter, Johnson appears to be seeking some attacking solutions. Danny Care takes the responsibility at scrum half. On paper, it looks like a strong team, but it has been the execution of the team’s ability which was glaringly letting the nation down in the Autumn. The players know what they need to do, the management have told them what they should be doing, but whether that all comes together is a different matter.

The fixtures will play a major factor in this year’s Six Nations, as England’s opening fixture against Wales, is only one of two home matches. The other one could be a massively crucial one against tournament favourites Ireland. Their toughest match, which could come down to being something of a decider, is their final match which is Paris against the French. With their main challengers for the title both playing what should be relatively easy games, England need to send out a big message that they mean business, by not only winning against Wales, but by playing with confidence and conviction. They could realistically have more of a chance than what the critics may suggest. While still missing most of their front row, which could be crucial against Wales’ top drawer front three, England should have enough to be optimistic.

Key Man: Nick Easter. At number eight, Easter has the ball skills to make a huge difference to whether England are attacking well, or get sucked into scrappy slow play. One of the better, and more dynamic ball carries in the England pack as well, a good game by Easter can make all the difference to the England squad. You know what you are going to get from the likes of Cueto, Wilkinson and Shaw, some needs to provide that cohesive link to make the fifteen a team.

Outright Six Nations Odds
5/1 at Bwin

England v Wales Match Odds
England to win: 4/6 at SportingBet
Draw: 20/1 at Paddy Power
Wales to win: 6/4 at SportingBet

Team: Wales

Number of Six Nations Titles: 2

Finishing Position in 2009 Six Nations: 4th

England vs. Wales Stats (All-time):
Wales against England: W53, D12, L53
Biggest Winning Margin: England 0, Wales 25
Largest Losing Margin: England 62, Wales 5
Wales average points per game against England: 11.09
2009 Six Nations result: Wales 23, England 15

Chances: Wales will be looking for a better season, but perhaps they may be flattering to deceive. They are not as strong as their Grand Slam side of 2008 by a long shot, by they are quite nippy in the backs. One of their major strengths is in the front row, where their all-Lions three of Matthew Reeds, Adam Jones and Gethin Jenkins could be one of the key factors in the game. England’s strengths are always perceived to be in the forwards, and this is where Wales will need to effectively take them on. By slowing down the English up front, Wales can stifle all momentum and enthusiasm from the home supporters. They have received some good news in that full back Lee Byrne will be eligible to play against England, after all the fiasco of him appearing for his club Osprey’s as a 16th man in their recent Heineken cup win against Leicester. Byrne’s appearance, after getting a ban repealed, will mean that the ever dangerous James Hook can move back into midfield.

Coach Warren Gatland actually has some nice problems over selections in the pack, and will want to likely go with players who have a little speed and mobility over what is deemed to be a slower England pack. But England will be setting up in an attacking manner, and Gatland will be aware that his team may need to dig in defensively in the early part of the game, keeping things tight. Wales enjoyed a nice win over England in last year’s tournament, with wing Leigh Halfpenny running in a try, and Stephen Jones banging over 5/5 kicks. But the Welsh did look particularly impressive during their autumn season of games. They should push on comfortably for at least fourth place again, but because of what should be two home banker games against Italy and Scotland, there really shouldn’t be too much stopping them from pushing for third. While winning the title is unlikely, with two major tests away at England and Ireland, Wales have their edge of unpredictability, largely down to not being as defensively strong as they are inventive going forward.

Key Man: Gethin Jenkins. The man is a beast and a world class act in the front row. There probably isn’t an international rugby side which he couldn’t walk straight into at the moment. He is pivotal in carrying the ball, and the work he gets through is phenomenal. Mr Consistency, he will be there at every break down and ruffling the feathers of the England front row.

Outright Six Nations Odds
5/1 at Paddy Power

England v Wales Match Odds
England to win: 4/6 at SportingBet
Draw: 20/1 at Paddy Power
Wales to win: 6/4 at SportingBet

Not too long now until the 2010 Six Nations Rugby Tournament starts, with the first matches being played on February 6th. England start their campaign against Wales, and after a dismal Autumn series, Johnson is confident that he has the squad to challenge for the Six Nations title. Steve Borthwick has been named as Captain again, and that in itself has courted some criticism. There have been questioned raised over whether or not Borthwick has the right leadership qualities needed to captain the national side. Not showing a great deal of confidence in his own decision, Johnson has hinted that the position of captain could even change throughout the course of the tournament.

Johnson has drafted into some youngsters, to hopefully provide a more inventive spark than what was shown during the Autumn. The match at Twickenham on the 6th will be an interesting test of not only the quality of England’s current crop of players, but a test of Johnson’s management skill, and also will continue to fuel arguments the Guinness Premiership, England’s top flight rugby station, is not as good as it has been in the past. With a core of experienced players such as Jonny Wilkison, Johnson is looking for that perfect balance.

But, there is the right to be full of optimism ahead of a new tournament, as anything can happen. England have been boosted by the return of key players like James Haskell, Toby Flood and Riki Flutey. Injuries to what would be considered to be starting players, did hurt England’s team selection a lot during the year, but an excuses of that being whey the produced so poorly, should be brushed aside because of the way that played. England looked completely flat and without any  kind of penetration towards the opponents try line.

As for the tournament itself, the suspected path things will take, is for the title to come down between Ireland and France. Even on paper, and looking at the way things went in the autumn, it’s hard to disagree with that. Defending Champions Ireland look an extremely solid side, but France showed glimpses of greatness in beating South Africa. They did crash heavily against New Zealand though. Ireland had a very successful Autumn series, as they beat South Africa, destroyed Fiji and tied with Australia. All the bookies, ahead of the tournament are leaning towards the Six Nations only really being contested between those two.

Six Nations Outright Winner
France to win: 13/8 at Stan James
Ireland to win: 5/2 at Stan James
Wales to win: 9/2 at Bwin
England to win: 5/1 at Totesport
Scotland to win: 22/1 at Bwin
Italy to win: 250/1 Ladbrokes

Opening Weekend Fixtures:
Ireland to win: 1/33 at Bet365
Draw: 50/1 at Bet365
Italy to win: 12/1 at Bet365

England to win: 8/13 at 888sport
Draw: 18/1 at Bet365
Wales to win: 11/8 at Victor Chandler

France to win: 4/11 at Bet365
Draw: 22/1 at Bet365
Scotland to win: 9/4 at Ladbrokes

The Autumn international Rugby matches come to a conclusion on Saturday, with Ireland, Scotland and Wales all in action. The most exciting game will be happening in France though, as the New Zealanders see what they can do against the French, who pulled out a big win over Tri-Nations winners South Africa a couple of weeks ago. After beating Samoa in the interim, one of the favourites for next year’s Six Nations, France will want to test themselves again against the unbeaten tourists. The All Blacks have beaten England, Italy and Wales on their tour this year, and will look to head back down under with a four game victory by beating the French. This should be a well contested match-up, with the French looking very good at the moment. France of course, have a reputation of being hit and miss, but if they can add the consistency to their game, they will be a dominant force alongside Ireland in the forthcoming Six Nations.

Ireland are the next team to take on South Africa, and the Irish will be looking to build upon the last gasp draw they managed against Australia at Croke Park. The Irish and the French are the best of the Six Nations teams at the moment, and some of the familiar names were rested for last weekend’s 41-6 rout against Fiji, Ireland should be somewhere near full strength to take on the Springboks. This should be one almighty clash of two good teams, and France have already shown that the South Africans are vulnerable. The one surprising factor in the South African game is how easily their scrum has been destroyed by France and then Italy. It is one area of their game that needs work, while the Irish are very strong up front.

Meanwhile, brave Scotland, who pulled off a famous win over the Australians last weekend, will look to build some momentum themselves, by beating Argentina. After giving England a good game, the Pumas didn’t play very well in their defeat against Wales at all. The Scot’s 9-8 win over Australia was a backs-to-the-wall rear guard action for sustained period, and they actually made a lot of errors which would have made their life a little easier had they been more composed. The result, surprising probably to even the Scots, was hard fought for, and only a failed late kick at goal from Australia’s Matt Giteau secured the win for the Scottish. Their forward pack will be tested again this weekend by Argentina, who are a rough, raw power house up front. They simply never turned up for some mysterious reason against Wales though, losing 33-16.

Wales, after losing to New Zealand and beating Samoa, go in search of their third win, and a chance to get some more practice in the scrum. That is Wales’ weak area at the moment, but they have enough in the backs with their running game to gloss over the cracks a lot of the times. They could get dominated by the Aussies in the pack, and one thing is for sure, is that the defeat against the Scots will have hurt the Wallabies. They came on tour looking for a Grand Slam against the four home nations, and that loss rained on that parade for them, along with the draw against Ireland. Wounded Wallabies are not to be taken lightly, and while they have been looking ok, they definitely have looked the weakest of the Tri-Nations teams. If Wales manage to beat them, then it will only serve to leave England with further egg on their faces, being the only team that Australia managed to beat on their Autumn tour, and that would leave Martin Johnson’s England reeling even further behind the progress of the other home nations.

France to win: 5/4 at SkyBet
Draw: 20/1 at Paddy Power
New Zealand to win: 4/5 at Stan James

Ireland to win: 6/5 at Stan James
Draw: 20/1 at Paddy Power
South Africa to win: 10/11 at SportingBet

Scotland to win: 4/7 at Boylesports
Draw: 20/1 at Bet365
Argentina to win: 15/8 at Totesport

Wales to win: 11/10 at ExtraBet
Draw: 20/1 at Paddy Power
Australia to win: 10/11 at SkyBet