Betfair Official Blog

Six Nations - Ireland v Wales betting and odds preview

The Croke Park clash between Ireland and Wales on March 8 will not only offer a number of match betting options, but it will also impact on the battle for the Six Nations title.

Both sides are still in the running to lift the trophy this year, with Wales currently enjoying a 100 per cent record although the odds point to a home success.

Ireland may have lost to France earlier in the tournament but Eddie O'Sullivan's men have lost just once at Croke Park since temporarily moving there in 2007 and home advantage will tempt many punters into a bet on last year's runners-up.

Wales have defeated England, Scotland and Italy in their opening three matches and many betting punters will have been impressed by their performances since the appointment last year of Warren Gatland.

It's worth noting though for those eyeing a bet that the 2005 Grand Slam winners have a poor record in Ireland, winning there just once since the formation of the Six Nations in 2000.

Ireland have won six of the last eight meetings between the sides and the odds suggest they will inflict a defeat on Wales, in their first visit to Croke Park.

Wales have scored more points than any other team in the opening three matches, 103, and betting punters may be tempted into a bet on a high-scoring affair, with Ireland sitting second in the points scoring charts.

Ronan O'Gara has scored 31 points so far in this year's Six Nations and the fly-half will be towards the top of the odds for leading points scorer, in both the clash with Wales and the tournament overall.

Wales betting backers will no doubt be looking to winger Shane Williams to deliver the goods, with the Ospreys star already crossing the whitewash on four occasions in the opening three games.