Six Nations Betting Preview

The Six Nations begins next weekend, and in a revised schedule, there will be two rest weekends between now and the conclusion on March 19th.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />Defending champions France are the favourites at 7/4, despite playing poorly in the autumn internationals, and the absence of talismanic flanker Serge Betsen. They are involved in the opening match of the tournament, at home against Scotland.Scotland for their part are the only one of the home nations for whom hopes are very low, and they are rated as 250/1 shots to win the trophy. The big match for them comes on February 26th when they take on Italy who will be trying to gain their first success away from home. The Italians are the 2000/1 outsiders for glory.The pick of the matches on the first weekend is in Cardiff, where England take on Wales. Wales pushed New Zealand and South Africa in the autumn whilst World Champions England are missing a whole host of star players. Wales are priced at 11/1, with England at 2/1.This puts them shorter than Ireland, who play Italy on Sunday. The Irish have improved steadily in recent years, and with both England and France scheduled to visit Dublin this year, they have a fantastic chance. 7/2 is the best price to be found, although we selected them in October at a price of 13/2.We shall be providing in-depth previews of all the Six Nations matches in the days leading up to them, so be sure to check back here for the best rugby betting advice around.Bet on the Six Nations with our favourite bookmaker VCBet and get a free fifty pound bet. See all our free bets here.