Ireland v England betting could realistically be a 2013 Six Nations decider after both teams opened the new championship with a win last weekend. Ireland put on a great performance in Cardiff to beat the reigning Six Nations champions Wales. While the Welsh defence came in for a lot of criticism, Ireland still played with a good amount of control and power, having too much for the Welsh to handle. Although the home side came back into things in the second half, the defence of Ireland was very well organised, cool, calm and collected to run out 30-22 winners. That was a big step for Ireland who, for most of 2012 were below par and not expected to mount much of a challenge in the Six Nations. However, that was a strong start for Declan Kidney’s men and now it should have given them huge confidence to face the challenge of England. Should they win, then they would take a firm grip of this year’s championship.
Ireland v England Six Nations Rugby Odds at online bookmaker Blue Square
Ireland 4/5, England Evens, Draw 18/1
England were comfortable at Twickenham in their opening match of the campaign. The pre tournament favourites did concede the first try against Scotland, but overpowered their old rivals in the end. England were pretty fluid with the ball through the hands of their backs, crossing Scottish try line four times with good finishes. The boot and control of Owen Farrell was a big plus and they looked to clinically pounce on Scottish mistakes. That was just the straightforward start that England need and will naturally face tougher challenges down the line. There is a more decisive look about England at the moment and they will need to be at their physical best to travel to Ireland get a win. Something they haven’t done on their last four Six Nations visits there. The last time England did go to Ireland, was in August of 2011 in a warm up match ahead of the Rugby World Cup. England put in a very solid 20-9 win on that occasion.
But recent results for England in Ireland haven’t been good. Their last win in the six nations there was back in 2003, since then they have suffered both heavy and close defeats. In the overall head to head, England have won 72 and Ireland 46 of the 126 internationals between the two sides. There isn’t too much between them in average points scored when coming together. England average 12 points per game against Ireland, while the Irish average 8 points per game against the English.
So the margins for your Ireland v England rugby betting handicaps are going to be narrow. So close is the game expected to be, Blue Square have covered themselves with a 0 handicap winner at the same as the outright match winner odds.
Get your hands on a free £25 bet for your Six Nations rugby betting with online bookmaker Blue Square. The bookie, popular for their handicaps on rugby markets, will match the value of your first stake on a new account with a free bet up to the maximum value of £25. There is also a great Ireland v England money back special to enjoy. If a forward scores the first try in the match, then the bookie will refund all losing First Try Scorer bets with a maximum refund of £50 per customer.
