Six Nations Rugby Union Betting

Seven years after Martin Johnson led England to World Cup glory in 2003, a day I remember clearly after myself and my future Brother-in-law woke up early to go to the local Australian pub to watch the final on a Sunday morning in November, Johnson leads out England as the manager in their quest to become the Six Nations champions of 2010. Rugby Union and the six nations tournament is fully covered by bwin and you can have an online sports betting wager before you watch the action live in just over a weeks time. The action is fast and furious in Rugby Union, just like the betting action!

The outright betting market has France as the heavy favourites for the championship. They beat the much improved Scottish team 18-9 and then had an excellent win against the Irish 33-10. Their odds to win after this strong start are odds-on at 9/25. Their kicker Morgan Parra looks in great form posting good numbers so far in the opening two matches. If you fancy a bet on France to win the Grand Slam, meaning they will win every match of the Six Nations they play in, the odds for that from bwin are 7/10. If you think there will be no winner of the Grand Slam the odds for that are 13/10.

To summarise the action so far England has started well in their opening two matches in the tournament but they were nearly on the end of a major upset before narrowing beating Italy 17-12. Wales won the Grand Slam in 2008 but England defeated them in their opening match. Ireland won the Grand Slam in 2009 but were sounded beaten by France. These results have opened up the competition.

England face Ireland next at Twickenham and their hopes of a Grand Slam, which is offered at 8/1 at the moment by bwin, will be under big threat in this match. If they win, they must beat the French in the last match in what may become the match for the Grand Slam and the title of six nations winner 2010. Jonny Wilkinson, now playing club rugby for Toulouse, has kicked 27 points so far and 3 conversions and is England’s main point scoring threat. If he gets injured this would be terrible for England’s Grand Slam hopes. The winner of the Ireland/England match also wins the Millennium cup.

You can also bet on the Triple Crown. This is a cup awarded within the six nation’s tournament if one of England, Scotland, Wales or Ireland beat the other three domestic international teams during the tournament. England are currently 3/2 to win the Triple Crown with Ireland 7/4. Whoever wins the match between Ireland and England will have a big chance to win the Triple Crown.

The next matches are played on the 26th and 27th February weekend and are live on terrestrial television which means following the action whilst you bet is not a problem. Wales face France whilst Scotland play Italy. England face the Irish and match betting will be available for both of these games as well as a variety of special bets relating to the match action. Don’t miss out on getting involved in the six nations and get your sports bets on early with online sports betting specialist bookmaker bwin.com.

By Malcolm Clarke