Brendan ‘Patchy’ O’Connell previews Wales vs Scotland, France vs Ireland and Italy vs England as we get set for the 2022 Six Nations Round 2.
This weekend’s best bet is the in form Ireland who look too-hot-to-handle and a few points head start on the handicap has to be taken.
Wales v Scotland – 2022 Six Nations Round 2
We dive straight back into the action on Saturday afternoon when Wales welcome Scotland to the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
With the spectators allowed back, it may just be the tonic that the Welsh need to get back on track.
However, anyone watching the complete control Ireland had in Dublin last Saturday may have other ideas.
It was a hugely disappointing performance from Wales and despite being without several first team players and Ireland at full strength, the Welsh appeared to lack the physicality and creativity required at this level. A number of players were poor, particularly in the back line, whilst in the forwards, there was a clear absence of any fight.
In stark contrast, Scotland were on the back foot for most of their match against England, but throughout showed dogged resolve and tremendous fight. They will carry a fair amount of confidence into this match and will want revenge after receiving a red card in the 54th minute last year in Edinburgh and losing that encounter 24-25.
Wales will want to bounce back in some manner after last week’s embarrassment but it would be nonsensical to have any confidence given their current state.
Patchy’s Pick
Take Scotland -2.5 on the Points Handicap market, currently 87/100.
France v Ireland – 2022 Six Nations Round 2
This mouth-watering clash takes place in only round 2 and will go a long way in deciding this year’s tournament winner.
Both sides were equally impressive in round 1 as France easily disposed of Italy in the rain and, as mentioned, the Irish tore apart a weak Welsh performance.
France, who host the World Cup in 2023 are slight favourites for this match. They have improved in no uncertain terms, especially as evidenced by their 2-1 series win in Australia last year when touring with a 2nd /3rd rate side. They have an enormous pack, quality backs, depth in position and consistency.
Ireland appear to be the only side to match them physically at the moment and with the Irish side at full strength thereby allowing them to have a strong bench, this match will be brutal.
In the last 4 matches between these sides in France, it’s 2 wins a piece, with the largest margin of win being in 2020 when France won 35-27.
Patchy’s Pick
I think Ireland are at their peak right now and this common trait might well dash their hopes next year in the World Cup as a result. I think they will have the armory to take on France here and are my best bet of the weekend.
I am going to put a mighty 7 Units (my largest stake of the year) on Ireland plus 3.5 pts at 21/20.
Italy v England – 2022 Six Nations Round 2
The Italians were never expected to put up much of a fight in Paris last week and as predicted put in a decent first 40 minutes.
However, after the break they rarely threatened though, I feel, all is not lost as they may well give Wales a scare towards the latter part of the tournament.
England might well have beaten Scotland had they taken a few more chances in Edinburgh and it leaves them desperate to pick up a 4-try winning bonus point.
In reality that should pose no problem as the Italians can be their own worst enemy on home soil with some of their biggest defeats coming in Rome.
The English have won by an average of 27 points in the last 5 games in Italy, with the hosts scoring an average of just 11 points.
Patchy’s Pick
Italy are even worse in Rome than on the road and I am surprised to see the line at 24 points.
With the weather expected to be good, I just can’t see Italy staying with England, who themselves will be desperate to score as many tries as possible. England minus 24.5 points (8/11) for 3 Units is the play.
Have a super weekend and happy punting. Follow me on Twitter @BrenHbetsnet to let me know how I’m doing!
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