Six Nations Betting Tips: Ireland to wrap up title in style

• Ireland on track for title despite loss

• England head to France after big scalp

• Wales struggling to avoid wooden spoon

Ireland v Scotland
Saturday, 16:45
Live on ITV

Ireland focus on title after setback

Ireland's grand slam hopes were crushed by England but the defending champions should still wrap up the title in their final match against Scotland. Back-to-back grand slams ultimately proved a step too far for Andy Farrell's team after their thrilling defeat at Twickenham.

Despite going into the match as big favourites, Ireland were upset by England in a gripping encounter. James Lowe scored two tries to edge Ireland in front but a last-gasp drop goal from Marcus Smith ended their unbeaten run to give England a 23-22 victory.

Scotland also head into this match reeling after their shock defeat in Italy. The 31-29 loss in Rome was a huge setback after a second-half collapse from Gregor Towsend's side. Coming off the back of the victory against England, Scotland showed they once again cannot be trusted to deliver consistently.

Ireland, who named an unchanged team, are short enough at 1.162/13 for victory but it is difficult to envisage a scenario where they fail to win for the 10th successive time against Scotland. One point is all they realistically need, due to their superior points difference, to win the title but Ireland are fancied to race out the traps in Dublin. Backing the hosts to be at least seven points ahead at half-time appeals with Ireland fancied to seal top spot with something to spare.

France v England
Saturday, 20:00
Live on ITV

Inspired England target France win

England pulled off a sensational victory against Ireland to keep them in with a faint hope of snatching the title this weekend. This still looks improbable, heading into a tough final game in France, but their performance at Twickenham was a huge step in the right direction under Steve Borthwick.

Marcus Smith delivered the winning kick at the death but tries from Ollie Lawrence, George Furbank and Ben Earl inspired England to a momentous win against the champions. It was Borthwick's best victory in charge and a glimpse towards a promising future for England. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso misses out in France due to concussion with Elliot Daly replacing the wing.

France have been unpredictable this season, with too many forgettable performances but they found their form to blow away Wales last weekend. Les Bleus needed a reaction and scrum-half Nolann Le Garrec scored a try in an inspired display for France as they scored 25 points without reply in the final quarter.

Hosts France are uneasy 1.51/2 favourites considering their inconsistent form in the tournament. England have become difficult to beat under Borthwick and appeal as outsiders for this closing contest. Only one of their last 10 matches has resulted in a loss by seven points or more and they are worth backing with a six-point head start.

Wales v Italy
Saturday, 14:15
Live on BBC One

Wales bid to end losing run

Wales have endured a miserable tournament with Warren Gatland's team propping up the table after losing their four matches. The pressure on them is huge to avoid the wooden spoon and they need a convincing victory against Italy to avoid this fate.

Their latest setback was a 45-24 home defeat to France last weekend with their defence ripped apart. Wales conceded five tries to leave them floundering against France. George North will make his final appearance for Wales after being recalled, with the 31-year-old centre retiring after the match.

Italy have been one of the success stories in this year's tournament and they have upset the odds more than once already. A draw in France could have been even better after missing a late penalty but Italy improved on this in the last round with a stunning 31-29 victory at home to Scotland.

Wales were shocked by Italy two years ago with a home defeat in the final round and a repeat looks feasible. The hosts are 1.412/5 favourites but the value surely lies with confident Italy at 3.814/5. Preference though is to side with Italy in the handicap market given a 6.5 point advantage.

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