Scotland v France – 2022 Six Nations Round 3
The Scots were humbled somewhat in Cardiff a fortnight ago in a match they started as favourites and were expected to win.
Instead it was the Welsh, roared on by a capacity crowd that managed to turn a dour Irish performance the week before into a winning one.
Both sides had their turns to win it though, with the momentum shifting several times throughout the 80 minutes, with the Welsh edging their noses ahead and staying there.
Back at home the Scots will need to focus on neutralising the huge French pack and countering the dangerous French backs who have the ability to score from all facets of play. In a clever counter plan to Ireland’s fast attack plan and multiple ball carriers, the French managed to slow things down, were experts at being a general nuisance and again created a massive obstacle to overcome at set piece.
The Scots, I feel will need to rely on speed to get the French pack moving around the park, a lucky kicking game could help. Conditions should be dry at least and this would at least assist the hosts but would also give the French backs ample opportunities.
Karl Dickson makes his referee debut in the 6 Nations, normally renowned as an unders merchant.
Patchy’s Pick
This match could go two ways in my mind, France could approach the game in a brutal and professional manner, overpowering their hosts and shutting them out, or they could underestimate the Scots and potentially come away with egg, or should I say ‘oeuf’, all over their faces.
I’m leaning towards the latter and feel the Scots are good enough to stay within the 6.5-point head start offered by the odds makers. Just the 3 Units on Scotland plus 6.5 points is the suggestion.
England v Wales – 2022 Six Nations Round 3
England came away from Rome without conceding a point to the Italians but have a potential banana peel to contend with in the form of Wales.
Despite dominating for vast amounts of possession and territory against Scotland, England were their own worst enemies, in particular, over complicating several try scoring opportunities in a game they felt they should have won convincingly. It’s likely they would have ironed out a lot of those issues and won’t want a repeat of those errors here against Wales.
I should have seen the bounce back coming from Wales but I just couldn’t build a strong enough case from what I had seen in Dublin. If any team can build confidence after a victory then it’s certainly the Welsh and I’m of the strong opinion that they’ll push the hosts all the way.
England are still the unfinished article as even Eddie Jones will admit and the tenacity and expected ‘in your face’ from the Welsh may even provide the platform for a shock result.
Not my favourite referee , but Mike Adamson is in charge.
Patchy’s Pick
Wales have lost by 3, 6, 4 and 11 points respectively in their last 4 visits to England in the Six Nations.
Feeling the bookies haven’t given the Welsh enough credit for that huge performance at home and instead allotting England with too much respect, I feel the handicap of 13.5 points is golden.
It’s my bet of the weekend in the tournament and I’ll be transferring 7 Units on Wales plus 13.5 points.
Ireland v Italy – 2022 Six Nations Round 3
After coming so desperately close in Paris, the Irish would have returned home with a fair level of disappointment. They created enough chances to have won the game but were, I feel, a little unlucky in terms of ‘the bounce of the ball’.
Italy have been in the news the last week but it seems the smoke pertaining to their continued participation in the tournament has been extinguished for now. They had decent moments against France and kept the score line respectable a week later in Rome despite not contributing against the English. They’ve had a fortnight’s rest and it can be argued that they play a little better away from home.
Georgian referee Nika Amashukeli is in charge.
Patchy’s Pick
Good conditions are expected in Dublin and I expect a deluge of points.
With a handicap of 40.5 points for the game there is the one option of following a good Italian first half display.
Another bet is total points as evidenced by their last 4 Six Nation games played in Dublin totalling 67 , 75 , 73 and 53 points respectively.
However a quote of 70.5 is likely and that may be quite accurate.
And lastly the massive 40.5-point handicap which Ireland has never managed to cover barring a friendly in 2018. It’s the latter I’m interested in and hoping Ireland are quick out of the blocks allowing Italy to score a few conciliation tries later on in the game.
Italy plus 40.5 points for a confident 5 Units is the call.
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