The England team got off to a shaky start in the 2020 Six Nations tournament, with a 24-17 defeat by France. They travel to Murrayfield next weekend to take on the Scots, who lost 19-12 in their first match, against Ireland. England winger Johnny May scored two tries in the Stade de France last weekend and hopes are high that he and his team mates will ratchet up a few more in Edinburgh. Eddie Jones remains bullish and has taken the opportunity to criticise the Scots, claiming “Scotland are a niggly side”. Scotland has not beaten England for over two years and Jones’ negative banter will surely drive them forward. But the defeat against France was a painful humiliation for England and, as Scotland’s prop Allan Dell notes, “They’ll have a point to prove now”.
So despite their defeat against the French, England remain strong favourites to win the Guinness Six Nations, with bookmaker Betway offering odds of 23/10. The team are determined to regain their pride by winning the Six Nations, following England’s crushing 32-12 defeat at the hands of South Africa in the final of the World Cup 2019 at Yokahama, Japan in November.
France are second favourites, with odds of 5/2 from bookie Paddy Power and Wales are not far behind with odds of 3/1 from William Hill. Wales won the Six Nations and the Grand Slam last season and it is surprising that they are only third favourites but this may reflect the absence of injured players (including Liam Williams) and the change in coach as Wayne Pivac replaces rugby legend, Warren Gatland.
Bookmaker Unibet offers odds of 4/1 that Ireland will win the trophy whilst Scotland languish at odds of 100/1 from Ladbrokes. Italy, the poor relation of the tournament, are a rather unfancied 2500/1 from Ladbrokes.
The fixtures next weekend are:
- Saturday 8 February Ireland v Wales 2.15pm kick off
- Scotland v England 4.45pm kick off
- Sunday 9 February France v Italy 3pm kick off
