Six Nations Betting / MartinCorry / 10 March 2009 / Leave a comment

Martin Corry believes that England need to throw off the shackles if they are to defeat France at Twickenham on Saturday.

France's magnificent win over Wales leaves only Ireland with the chance
of Grand Slam glory and the rest of us reaching for the calculators as this year's Six Nations Championship looks likely to be settled by points difference.

France v Wales was undoubtedly the game of the tournament. Had it not been for an injury to the French fly-half Benoit Baby the Welsh Grand Slam bid could still be on course. The game looked to be heading Wales's way at 13-3 with Baby unable to ignite his back-line and forcing the French to be too reliant on their one-off forward runners, which did little to trouble the Welsh defence. Baby left injured just before half-time and was replaced by Francois Trinh-Duc who varied the attack and found Wales wanting.

Scotland did enough to beat an unambitious Italy side operating with a damage limitation strategy. The Azzuri compete hard up front and at the breakdown but offer nothing else. Scotland, still looking to gel, made too many mistakes but they posses pace in their back-line and were able to stroll to a win without exciting their home crowd.

Ronan O'Gara's misfiring boot meant that Ireland v England remained a contest long after the homeside should have put the game to bed. Ireland always looked the better side, especially against 14 men, with Brian O'Driscoll dominating the game, but at 11-6 England were still in the game and could've pinched it. However, Danny Care's sin-binning proved crucial, although England did attack with endeavour and accuracy to earn a well worked try.

England now face France in a crucil game at Twickenham. They need to play with the shackle-free ambition they showed against Ireland in the last 10 minutes. The French linespeed in defence could force England to kick even more but Nick Kennedy and Steve Borthwick in the England second row are long overdue a good day stealing opposition lineouts which could lead to points scoring opportunities. If the kicks fail to find touch the French back three could rip England to shreds. Hopefully it will be a close game and if England are within a score going into the last 10 minutes I fancy them to nick it.

My heart's ruling this one. England to win at [2.24], but it'll be close.

Wales need to go to Italy and score a hat-full to stand any chance of overhauling Ireland's 25 point Championship advantage. Warren Gatland has picked a side to create and score tries. Italy's negative tactics will be ineffective against the Welsh who will be hurting from the French defeat.

Back Wales -31.5 points at [1.86].

Ireland have to win at Murrayfield to continue their Grand Slam journey. At the start of the tournament, this looked like one of Ireland's trickiest games, but Scotland's form thus far suggests that they will be little more than a speed bump.

Scotland will be bolstered by their first choice second row pairing of Jim Hamilton and Nathan Hines returning from injury and with Euan Murray at tighthead, Frank Hadden now has a pack to be proud of. However, Ireland's forwards look too strong and with O'Driscoll hitting form and O'Gara never having consecutive off days it should be a big day for Ireland - setting up a Six Nations decider against Wales.

Back Ireland at [1.37], but expect Scotland to keep the score close.