6 Nations Betting: Ireland can keep title hopes alive with Wales win

Simon Mail
09 March 2017

Ireland overcame France at home in their last Six Nations match

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Simon Mail previews the latest round of the Six Nations and believes Ireland can remain in title contention with a victory in Wales...

"The Irish have a strong record in Wales having won on four of their last six visits including in two of the last three meetings at the Principality Stadium."

Wales v Ireland
Friday, 20:05
Live on BBC One

Wales' title hopes may be long gone but the team can still have a significant say in the championship. The hosts can effectively end Ireland's chances with a home win under the lights and will be desperate to finish the competition strongly. Rob Howley's side were unlucky to lose narrowly at home to England but there were few positives to take from their 29-13 defeat in Scotland two weeks ago.

Ireland still have not given up on pipping England to the title but only two wins from their remaining games will be enough. Joe Schmidt's team suffered a poor start after an opening defeat in Scotland. But the Irish thrashed Italy and held off the challenge of France to claim a 19-9 victory in Dublin. Ireland have it all to do still but appear to have momentum on their side heading to Cardiff.

The Irish have a strong record in Wales having won on four of their last six visits including in two of the last three meetings at the Principality Stadium. The sides shared the points last season after a 16-16 draw in Ireland, so there is every expectation of a tight contest. Neither team has dominated this fixture but Ireland's impressive form in Wales will give them belief heading into the game.

Ireland are narrow favourites and the visitors can justify their status by claiming a narrow victory over Wales. Schmidt's side have the motivation to take their title challenge through to the final weekend and appear to be in better shape than a Wales team that were so disappointing in Scotland. These clashes tend to be decided by fine margins but Ireland are fancied to win by up to 12 points and set up a championship decider against England.

Italy v France
Saturday, 13:30
Live on ITV

Italy have lost all three games in the tournament but made life difficult for defending champions England in the last match. Conor O'Shea's side led 10-5 at half-time after their tactic to not compete at the breakdown baffled England. Italy could not hold out in the second half but surprised many by pushing them hard in their 36-15 defeat at Twickenham.

France have made strides during this year's competition even if the results do not necessarily back this up. The French claimed a home win over Scotland but were beaten late on in England and lost 19-9 in Ireland last time out. Guy Noves' side are making progress and have certainly improved from last year but they will want to translate this into more wins.

Although France have dominated this fixture, there has been the odd upset in recent years. Italy have lost the last four meetings between the teams but the underdogs have won two of their last three home clashes which underlines they are not without hope. There were also just two points between the sides in Paris 12 months ago as France edged to a 23-21 win.

Italy are given a 19-point handicap advantage and the hosts are capable of staying within this margin. France have only managed to cover this in two of their last 13 matches and the visitors may not have it all their own way in Rome. Italy will have taken encouragement from their performance against England and can stay within 19 points of France this weekend.

Follow Simon's bets on Twitter @watfordtipster