2023 Six Nations Championship Betting Preview
Since 1883, the Six Nations Championship has been one of rugby’s most renowned international tournaments. Six teams participate in the event: England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales. For rugby fans, this tournament showcases some of the best players in the world.
The Six Nations Championship also provides an opportunity to place some exciting wagers. The Rugby Six Nations odds for this year’s tournament show some interesting options.
Rugby Six Nations Overview
Last year’s champions, France, will be looking to defend their title. They come into this year’s tournament with a solid side and the best chance of winning the championship. Ireland and England are also one of the better Rugby Six Nations picks to take the tournament cup.
The tournament will be played from February 4 to March 18. It will kick off with Wales meeting Ireland on February 4. The game expected to have the most significant impact on the Rugby Six Nations standings is England vs. France on March 11.
Rugby Six Nations Odds
Rugby Six Nations odds currently favor Ireland to win the tournament. France is just a little behind, followed by England.
Here is a look at the current Rugby Six Nations odds:
- Ireland +300
- France +330
- England +900
- Wales +2800
- Scotland +6500
- Italy +10000
Ireland is the current betting favorite. But don’t rule out the defending champion France squad. They have an excellent chance of taking back-to-back tournament crowns. England sits third with relatively long odds of taking the trophy.
Bettors looking for an outside pick may consider England a potential sleeper pick. Longshots Wales, Scotland, and Italy should put up a good fight, but these sides seem unlikely to take the glory this time.
The smart money is on France to repeat as champions. While most sportsbooks have listed Ireland as the favorite, don’t overlook France. France has an exciting young club.
As Grand Slam champions, they will be tough to beat despite losing Jonathan Danty. The player to watch will be Damian Penaud, who often carries his team, especially in tough games.
Rugby Six Nations stats
Here are six Rugby Six Nations stats and trends to watch for in this year’s tournament:
Hookers to Be Leading Scorers
Last year’s tournament featured hookers as leading scorers, being successful on 13% of tries. This year’s tournament should be no different. Bettors should expect hookers to cross the line
Irish Domination of Red Zone Lineouts
Ireland dominated red zone lineouts in 2022 and were 16 for 58 in lineouts inside the red zone. Ireland’s 28% try rate from inside the 22 led the pack. France was close behind with 25%, and Wales scored 21% of the time.
Expect Ireland’s domination to continue. Nevertheless, France needs to improve if they want to defend last year’s title.
Italy to Get the Wooden Spoon
Italy is expected to take another Wooden Spoon this year. Italy’s total of 17 Wooden Spoons are tops on the all-time list. Bettors can expect them to make it 18 Wooden Spoons in this event.
England to Fly Out of the Gate
England’s new manager Steve Borthwick will be looking to replicate his own Six Nations success as a manager. This year’s English side is expected to fly out of the gate, and bettors can expect a tough English side to compete hard in every match. So, bettors shouldn’t overlook them in this year’s tournament.
Sexton to Overtake O’Gara
Irish legend Ronan O’Gara currently tops scorers with 557 points in 63 appearances. However, second-place Johnny Sexton will be looking to overtake O’Gara in this tournament.
His 531 total points put him within striking distance of O’Gara’s mark. Also, keep an eye out for Owen Farrell, who’s not far behind at 500 points.
Expect Plenty of Kicks
Last year’s tournament saw a record 848 kicks. As a result, fans and bettors should also expect plenty of kicks in this year’s tournament. In particular, don’t be surprised to see an increased presence of new kicks, such as the 50/22.
Rugby Six Nations Betting Prediction
Expect France to repeat as champions. However, Ireland should give France a run for their money. Bettors looking for a sleeper pick may consider England, but Italy is the safest pick for the Wooden Spoon.
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