Olimp3kSignUp jan19In Paris there was passion, flair and panache – followed by an all too familiar French capitulation as the home side went from brilliant to bumbling in the second half. The Welsh dragons didn’t breathe much fire, but live to fight another day.

 

 

The Scots never reached fifth gear, nor was it required; but the talk of the weekend was all about the brilliant Poms. Eddie’s troops strung together their best defensive performance in recent memory as they completely shut down any and all Irish attacks. Dominating the collisions eventually led to dominating the scoreboard as the highly rated Paddies were brought back down to earth with a crash.

 

From a betting perspective we hit two out of our three match plays of last week. 

 

 

(Note, odds quoted are subject to change)

 

Scotland vs Ireland (Saturday 16:15) 

 The Irish are in danger of losing all the momentum they have built up over the last 18 months should they taste defeat for a second week running. England defenders smothered the men in green like white sauce over broccoli in a child’s Sunday plate. There was no room for Ireland to move but they will need to somehow find a way of sparking their attacking fire in Edinburgh on Saturday.

Mr’s Hogg and Russell have no problem delving into their back of tricks and their opponents should not be under the misconception that it will be easy getting the train back on the tracks at Murrayfield. 

Verdict: The Scots can be a devastating team with ball in hand and Ireland will have to be weary of this threat, yet one struggles to see how the hosts are going to match the defensive display and level of physicality which England brought to Dublin last week. Ireland by 7-12 points.

BETOLIMP Best Bet: Ireland -5.5 @ 1.82, Click here to bet 

 

Italy vs Wales (Saturday 18:45) 

When in Rome… The Italians will be much happier on their own home turf but the home-made pasta might be the only source of comfort for the Azzurri come Saturday evening as they facea Welsh team sitting in fourth spot on the IRB world rankings and flying high right now. George North will certainly fancy his chances of adding to his try scoring tally against the weakest team in the competition. 

Verdict: France should have beaten them last week but Wales will be buoyed by having escaped the noose and keen on starting the game in the Stadio Olimpico the way they finished in Paris. Wales to start fast and win by 20-30 points.

BETOLIMP Best Bet: Wales on first half handicap -10.5 @ 1.81. Click here to bet 

 

England vs France (Sunday 18:45) 

I was expecting an improved French showing last week and the Frogs duly obliged (despite choking in the end – fortunately so for my bet). Calling a French game is never easy and it seems England are becoming just as unpredictable.

It will surely not be mentally and/or physically possible for the English to front up in quite the same manner they did against Ireland last week. Yet the Poms should have a bounce in their step whilst there must be a feeling of despair amongst the French after their dramatic capitulation in the second forty.

Verdict: A victorious hangover should prove less hazardous than trying to recover from an implosion on home soil. England to secure a relatively comfortable win for me in this one.

BETOLIMP Best Bet: England to win by 8-14 points @ 3.56 Click here to bet