Rugby: Six Nations Betting Preview

Trevor Brody — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 10:54:09 +0000

Like all big betting events, it makes sense to start with the favourites. Should we be backing 2/1 Wales, or be looking to take them on?

Last year’s winners Wales have been backed from 5/2 into 2/1, and are 6/1 for the Grand Slam. They may not have the best team on paper, but confidence will be brimming with the solid club performances of both the Ospreys and the Blues.

Ladbrokes are ducking the favourites by only offering 7/4, but I’d be looking to take them on, maybe as early as this Sunday. They are 1/2 for their away trip to Scotland, but I’d would opt for the home side on the handicap (+6) for value’s sake.

England aren’t of interest, even at 9/2. Then got trounced in the autumn internationals, but that was hardly surprising. Martin Johnson’s side haven’t had the best press, and brave selections such as Andy Goode are already being questioned before the tournament. They also have a difficult schedule, but expect them to make light work of Italy at 1/7.

In the outright winner market, I am caught up between France and Ireland – both 7/2. We’ll know more about the 2 sides after he clash in Saturday’s Croke Park fixture, but by then one of the 2 sides could be the new favourite.

French clubs have given a terrible showing in the Heineken Cup, but the international side are more than capable of pulling this off. Having been 4th in the 2007 Rugby World Cup, they have slipped down the world rankings to 7th. If they are well organised and if Lionel Beauxis is kicking well, 11/8 to beat Ireland will look lke a massive price.

French coach Marc Lièvremont is focused on the 2011 World Cup, meaning that I shall side with 7/2 IRELAND. If they win the match against France, they wil grow in confidence and give Wales a run for their money. Declan Kidney is a great tactician, who will be relying on his Munster pack and Brian O’Driscoll.

They beat Argentina 17-3 last November and are a fit team; so could be worth an in-running investment should they find themselves trailing in a match. Their recent away record is concerning, especially as they travel to both Scotland and Wales.

Italy are the 4/7 favourites for the wooden spoon.

Recommendation:

2pts @ 7/2 Ireland to Win 2009 Six Nations

Compare odds on bookies.com before having a bet on the rugby:

Six Nations Winner Betting

Six Nations Grand Slam Winner Betting

Six Nations Triple Crown Winner Betting

Magners League Winner Betting

Guinness Premiership Winner Betting

Heineken Cup Winner Betting

Rugby Union Transfers: Jonny Wilkinson looks set to move to France

Trevor Brody — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 17:26:28 +0000

The economic crisis has also hit rugby clubs hard, with several English clubs left in severe difficulty. The transfer period opens in mid May, where we could see a number of high profile transfers. The window is only open for a month, which is why clubs, agents and players are already in discussions.

Jonny Wilkinson could be the most high profile transfer of the year, and you’ll be surprised to hear that his most likely destination is France. Last year it was unthinkable, but now with the credit crunch things have changed in the rugby world. Dan Carter’s transfer to Perpignan proved that anything is possible, so I wouldn’t bet against Wilkinson moving across The Channel.

If there was a market available, his departure from Newcastle would be odds-on. The clubs said to be interested at this stage are Bayonne and Racing-Métro. Wilkinson is currently injured (again) and should return in March. That means he won’t be taking part in the 6 Nations, in which England are 10/3.

Jamie Noon, also 29 years old, could be offloaded to Brive, whilst Stade Français are looking at Tom Palmer, James Haskell and Iain Balshaw.

Danny Cipriani may look like a surprise move at this stage, but he could be of interest to Bayonne and Perpignan, who are both looking for a Number 10.

Sébastien Chabal has already said that he will return to France, but we aren’t quite sure where yet. He still attracts a lot of press and was supposed to join Montpellier, but since then he has also been linked to Racing-Métro and Toulon. French captain, Lionel Nallet, will leave Castres to join up with either Montpellier or Bayonne.