A weekend that could define how this 2025 Six Nations will play out for these sides, all eyes are on Rome, London and Edinburgh for the second round of fixtures.
There’s a double-header to look forward to on Saturday as Wales make the trip to the Stadio Olimpico to face Italy, while England host rivals France at Allianz Stadium.
The second round concludes at Murrayfield on Saturday as both Scotland and Ireland look to build on winning starts when they meet in Edinburgh.
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Six Nations Week 2 tips
Italy v Wales – Saturday, February 8th (14:15 KO)
Italy -6.5 handicap @ 17/20
Saturday’s showdown between Italy and Wales in Rome will probably have a significant bearing on the destination of the wooden spoon this season.
The Azzurri gave Scotland a scare on the opening weekend without playing much rugby at Murrayfield.
Scotland’s quality came through in the end and Gregor Townsend’s side won 31-19, but the hosts knew they had been in a game.
Italy should enjoy much more possession at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday and they can inflict yet another defeat and cover the spread against an inexperienced Wales side who went down 43-0 to France in Saint-Denis last week.
England v France – Saturday, February 8th (16:45 KO)
France -6.0 handicap @ 37/40
Saturday’s schedule concludes with “Le Crunch”, as England and France renew hostilities at Allianz Arena.
France were outstanding on the opening night of the championship to secure a bonus-point win and keep Wales off the scoresheet.
That combination of a potent attack and a ruthless defence under coach Shaun Edwards is a title-winning recipe and France can take another step closer to the trophy with a victory at Allianz Stadium.
Les Bleus won 53-10 on their last visit to London and, while it’s unlikely to be as one-sided on Saturday, the French look capable of overcoming the handicap again.
England could not make the most of a positive start against Ireland in Dublin last weekend and France can pile more pressure on head coach Steve Borthwick this weekend.
Scotland v Ireland – Sunday, February 9th (15:00 KO)
Scotland +6.0 handicap @ 20/23
Moving on to Sunday and an intriguing contest at Murrayfield as Scotland host Ireland.
The Scots have a poor record against the Irish, with their last victory coming back in 2017.
Scotland didn’t hit top gear against Italy but still triumphed by 12 points, while the same could be said for Ireland in their 27-22 win over England.
Townsend’s side will need to be close to their best to have a chance of upsetting Ireland and they may just end up falling short against an Irish side who know how to edge these big games.
However, Scotland have threats in their talented back division and can score enough points to keep this contest tight.
With that in mind, the Scots with a +6 handicap gets the nod.
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