Couch Critic previews the betting for each match in Round 3 of Six Nations rugby this weekend, brought to you courtesy of BetOlimp.co.za
(Note, odds quoted are subject to change)
France vs Scotland (Saturday 16:15)
France enjoyed a rather impressive opening forty minutes of their 2019 Six Nations campaign, against Wales, but things got progressively worse from there. The Scots come into this clash on the back of a home defeat to the Irish and will also be missing their influential fullback, Stuart Hogg.
The French could rekindle their fire without warning at any given time, yet the confusion in the camp leads me to thinking that even on home soil they are there for the taking for this Scottish team.
BETOLIMP Best Bet: Scotland to win the game @ 3.03 BET HERE
Wales vs England (Saturday 18:45)
The big clash of the weekend is without doubt the table topping meeting between the two unbeaten teams in Cardiff. This match takes place at the Principality Stadium which is quite apt since it promises to be a battle royal.
Both teams go into this clash unbeaten yet have taken vastly different routes to getting here. Wales left it late to snatch a win in France and their B-side puttered around at times in Italy. England surprised with a hard-fought victory over Ireland in Dublin and then proceeded to hammer the hapless French at Twickers.
On the face of it, the Poms come into this contest with their tails up and flying high. Wales have done things their way yet have considerable momentum of their own built up over the past 12 months. This is the first match to take place in Wales during this 2019 Six Nations and, having rested a number of first choice player a fortnight ago, one can be sure the Welsh Dragons have only one thing in mind and that is conquering the Queens’s men.
As per usual a lot will depend on the battle upfront in this one. Farrell is one of the world’s best at present and should Wales allow them front-foot ball he will surely steer the visitors to the Six Nations crown. When the Vunipola’s are in attendance physical dominance is often a given, but the Welsh heavies have proved that they are much better than the sum of their parts.
At the back the English are rejuvenated with the combination of Tuilagi and Slade settling into scintillating form together. And of course we have been shown that May needs no help from a GPS in finding the tryline. Warren Gatland seems uncertain of his first choice flyhalf and despite his undeniable class Halfpenny is also not a shoe-in, but what is undoubtedly true is that both Gareth Davies and George North are players who would not look out of place in a World XV.
This should be a nail-biter! The form England are in have me favouring the visitors to edge a close one.
BETOLIMP Best Bet: England to win by 1-7 @ 3.47 BET HERE
Italy vs Ireland (Sunday @ 17:00)
Ireland came into the tournament as the run-away favourite yet have hardly inspired with their two showings thus far. Against Italy on Sunday the green machine has the ideal opportunity to regain their attacking rhythm. That being said, the Italians have hardly been pushovers thus far – they gave a weakened Welsh side a decent scare and hardly disgraced themselves in Edinburgh.
If Joe Schmidt unleashes his very best for this clash it could prove to be a long day at the office for Sergio Parisse and his chargers, but I do however feel that the home side will show some decent fight early on.
BETOLIMP Best Bet: Italy to stay within the First Half Handicap of +14.5 @ 1.82 BET HERE
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