Six Nations Week 2 - Betting Tips - 6 Feb 2025

The first week of the 2025 Six Nations Championship rubber-stamped pretty much every pre-tournament assessment of the teams. France confirmed their quality in an opening night 43-0 victory, but they could have been so much better. The team they beat - Wales - were every bit as outclassed as everyone expected. England continued the trend of looking good in the first half and dismal after the break in a 27-22 defeat against a solid title-chasing Ireland. In Edinburgh, Italy was competitive before Scotland overcame sloppiness to complete a 31-19 victory. What can we look forward to this week? Let’s take a look at all three matches.

Match Overview - Italy vs Wales Rugby

This match is almost certainly between the bottom two nations in the final championship table, but it has the potential to be a cracker for that exact reason. Neither side wants the wooden spoon, and the Welsh nation is on the verge of outright panic at the prospect of going another 80 minutes without a win. Retired Welsh hero Dan Biggar said the match is Wales’ biggest for “15 to 20 years”. “We need a win,” coach Warren Gatland said with a deep sigh. Italy wasted a fightback against Scotland with a clumsy last 20 minutes, but they will be smelling Welsh blood.

Italy vs Wales Key Players to Watch

The Welsh just can’t catch a break right now and have injury worries to add to all their other difficulties. They will hope captain and flanker Jac Morgan can impress again, although this time in victory rather than defeat. Italy will look to bounce back on home soil and will be hoping that full-back Tommaso Allan maintains his relentless goalkicking. The biggest attacking threat from the Azzuri comes from the star centre pairing of Ignacio Brex and Tommaso Menoncello.

Italy vs Wales Key Stats

• Wales beat Italy in 16 straight matches between 2008 and 2021 but Italy have won two of the last three encounters.

• Those two recent wins were tight - Italy won by one point in 2022 and by three points in 2024.

• Wales have lost their last 13 matches under Warren Gatland.

Italy vs Wales Rugby Betting Odds

• Italy 1.40

• Draw 26.0

• Wales 3.0

Odds from SportingBet

Italy vs Wales Betting Tips

Wales to win - 2.20 with Betway

There are two dynamics at play this week because the notion of this being the battle of the basement teams is real. While it is an appalling prospect for the Welsh it is also a terrible one for the Italians. After last year’s two wins and a draw, they thought they had become a competitive force, but now they are one match away from the prospect of returning to first base. The proud Welsh can scrape their way to the win fuelled by the industry and quality of Jac Morgan and the veteran Toby Faletau who returns from injury.

Match Overview - England vs France Rugby

England - and head coach Steve Borthwick - are getting themselves into a real hole right now because they just can’t take control of matches in the final quarter. True, the first half against Ireland was a backs-against-the-wall effort, but they did lead yet again at the break and then blew it. Borthwick, though, continues to take the positives. He said after the defeat: “We came up short, but I think we will build on that progress.” Ex-players and the Twickenham crowd are getting restless, however. France will be desperate to take advantage of any home nerves.

England vs France, Key Players to Watch

Maro Itoje impressed on his captaincy debut, but with one significant exception: he couldn’t say whatever was needed to keep England sharp in the second half. A strong on-the-field voice that demands quality under pressure is desperately needed. Can he provide it? The French will know that they were not in top gear against the Welsh, but that’s also because they didn’t need to be. Antoine Dupont was as dangerous as expected at scrum half, and England will have to stop him from releasing the flying wingers Louis Bierre-Biarrey and the returning Damian Penaud.

England vs France Key Stats

• Last year, these two teams went toe-to-toe in Lyons, with France just about holding on for a 33-31 victory.

• But two years ago, France wallopped England 53-10 at Twickenham - it was a record-breaking defeat for them on home soil.

• It was, however, the first French Six Nations triumph in London since 2005.

England vs France Rugby Betting Odds

• England 3.0

• Draw 26.0

• France 1.44

Odds from SportingBet

England vs France Betting Tips

Louis Bierre-Biarrey Anytime Tryscorer at 2.0 with Betway SA

Since thumping Chile 71-0 in the group stage of the 2023 World Cup, England has thrashed Japan twice but, in all other matches, has won six (all of them by a margin of six points or less) and lost nine (all of them by a margin of nine or less). Sooner or later, the dam is going to break. The handicap is around the 6.5 point mark, and the French should cover that. But let’s take a slightly bigger price that winner Bierre-Biarrey crosses the line. Antoine Dupont uses him a lot as an outlet in week one, and he’s up against Marcus Smith, who has been moved to full back. He ought to be licking his lips.

Match Overview - Scotland vs Ireland Rugby

Ireland will be delighted to have got their quest for a third successive Six Nations Championship title off to a strong start against England. It was even more impressive because it vindicated the decision to hand the coaching reins to Simon Easterby while Andy Farrell looks after the British and Irish Lions. Scotland find themselves asking very familiar questions because Finn Russell was occasionally brilliant but he also helped Italy back into the game by conceding a try from an intercepted pass. Scotland has the potential to win this game, but they need to stop shooting themselves in the foot.

Scotland vs Ireland, Key Players to Watch

Ireland’s replacement hooker Dan Sheehan was the joint top try scorer in the 2024 championship, and he maintained his habit of crossing the white line by scoring yet another try against England - this time after coming on as a substitute. New fly-half Sam Prendergast had a promising start but needs to cut out the errors. Scotland once again looked good outside Russell. Centre Huw Jones grabbed a hat trick against Italy while the wingers Duhan Van Der Merwe and Darcy Graham offer consistent and genuine tryscoring threats.

Scotland vs Ireland Key Stats

• Ireland has won the last 10 matches between these two teams (Six Nations, World Cup and Autumn Nations Cup).

• Ireland has won four of the last five matches between the two teams played at Murrayfield.

• Scotland missed 16 tackles last week less than half Ireland’s total of 33.

Scotland vs Ireland Rugby Betting Odds

• Scotland 3.0

• Draw 26.0

• Ireland 1.44

Odds with SportingBet

Scotland vs Ireland Betting Tips

Ireland to win the handicap (-5.5pts) at 1.91 with SportingBet

Ireland covered this handicap in eight of those last 10 matches (and victories) against Scotland, but there’s also something else at play here. SportingBet rates all three outsiders in this week’s matches as 3.0 shots, but, of the favourites, they have given Ireland the fewest points to cover in the handicap. Take the hint. 

FAQs about Six Nations Championship Rugby Betting

When and where do the matches take place?

Italy v Wales is at the Stadio Olimpico, Rome, on Saturday 8th February at 16:15 SAST.

England v France is at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, on Saturday 8th February at 18:45 SAST.

Scotland v Ireland is at the Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh on Sunday 9th February at 17:00 SAST.

Can I watch it in South Africa?

Every Six Nations Championship match is on SuperSport. 

How can I place a bet on the Six Nations Championship rugby?

Visit any bookmaker, and find ‘Rugby Union’ in the list of sports. It will lead you to all the matches. Be sure to click ‘All Bets’ to see the full range of options. Do not focus on the match result alone.