3 minutes The second of Six Nations fixtures gets underway at Murrayfield on Saturday as Scotland host France in the day’s early kick-off
The second of Six Nations fixtures gets underway at Murrayfield on Saturday as Scotland host France in the day’s early kick-off. Here at betting.bet we’ll be right across all three Six Nations matches scheduled for this weekend, bringing you the best match odds and betting tips from our betting partners at BoyleSports.
Week one recap
Scotland survived a spirited Welsh comeback in Cardiff last weekend to get their campaign off to a winning start. Having led 20-0 at half-time, Scotland found themselves 27-0 up just a few minutes into the second half. However, two yellow cards after half-time let Wales back into the game and Scotland just about survived with a 27-26 victory.
France went into this year’s Six Nations tournament as the bookies’ favourites and were tipped by many to win the Grand Slam. But, France’s Grand Slam dreams were shattered in Marseille as Les Bleus suffered a record-breaking 38-17 to last year’s Grand Slam champions, Ireland. Like Scotland, last week France were hampered by indiscipline. Second row, Paul Willemse was sin-binned after just 9 minutes for a high tackle before he was then red carded barely half an hour into the match for a second high tackle.
Team news
France have made two changes to the side humbled by Ireland last weekend. The suspension of second row, Paul Willemse means that Cameron Woki comes into the pack. In the backs, Louis Bielle-Biarrey has been preferred to Yoram Moefana on the left wing.
Scotland have three changes to the side that won in Cardiff last weekend. Luke Crosbie and Richie Gray are injured whilst Jamie Ritchie has been left out of the matchday squad. Coming into the pack are Rory Darge, Grant Gilchrist and Jack Dempsey.
Betting tips
Before the Six Nations got underway we suggested that Scotland could be a real dark horse given their favourable home fixtures. Therefore, we have to back the home side to triumph in Edinburgh on Saturday. Scotland to win is available at 6/4.
As France are slight favourites with the bookies, Scotland should also be considered in the handicap market. The hosts are 10/11 with a +4 start.
Both Scotland and France failed to secure a bonus point during their opening Six Nations matches. We are therefore expecting both sides to come out on the front foot in search of the four tires required to claim those elusive bonus points. Over 48.5 match points looks a solid option at 11/10.
20-year-old, Louis Bielle-Biarrey was one of the rising stars of last year’s Rugby World Cup and he has already scored five tries in eight international appearances. In the any time try scorer market, the Bordeaux Begles wing could prove real value at 13/10.
Talking of Rugby World Cup stars, Bielle-Biarrey’s French teammate, Damian Penaud crossed the try line six times during the World Cup and was also the top scorer in last year’s Six Nations Championship. We correctly tipped Penaud to score a try against Ireland last weekend and at Evens, we’re tipping Penaud to score another try at Scotland on Saturday.
Match odds
- Scotland: 6/4
- Draw: 20/1
- France: 4/7
