What Have We Learned Halfway Through the 2024 Six Nations?
by Steve Ashfield | by emmanuel harleaux
Thrilling Six Nations Weekend on the Way
Another exciting weekend of Six Nations rugby awaits us on February 24 and 25. After the first two matchdays of the 2024 tournament, defending champions Ireland are sitting pretty at the top of the table. Their next match sees them host Wales, while second placed England travel to Scotland who are third. France are in fourth and are home to Italy on Sunday hoping to get a win. What have we learned from the Six Nations so far this year.
Ireland Looking to Retain their Title
After the first two matchdays of the 2024 Six Nations, it's looking good for defending champions Ireland. After a disappointing Rugby World Cup (yes, another one!) there were concerns for the Irish team after the retirement of their captain Jonny Sexton. Those fears appear to have been misplaced though.
Their opening game in this season's Six Nations was a trip to Paris to face France. The Irish side went home after securing a sensational 38--17 win with five tries being scored. That was followed by a 36-0 home win over Italy to leave Ireland two points clear of second placed England.
They have three games remaining and two of them are in Dublin. They host Wales and Scotland and travel to Twickenham to face England. Hopes are high therefore of not just a second straight title but another Grand Slam. The match against Wales is on Saturday February 24 and the Irish team are 1.88 with Unibet to win on a -22.5 point handicap. You can check out all the Six Nations Betting Odds on our site.
Wales have so far lost at home to Scotland (losing the first half 20-0) and losing a lead at Twickenham against England. It may be that their top match this season will be home game against Italy on March 16 that could decide who 'wins' the Wooden Spoon. It's 13.00 at bet365 they can beat Ireland.
Tougher Games Ahead for England
England lie second in the Six Nations table and only a couple of points behind leaders Ireland. Both of their games have been won and they still have to host Ireland on March 9. Yet the fact is hopes aren't too high of them going on to win the 2024 Six Nations title.
It's not been an easy tournament for a much-changed England team despite getting two victories. Their wins have come in Italy and at home to Wales but by a combined margin of just five points. In both matches, they trailed at half time and were nine points down at the break against Wales. They are 2.5 at WIlliam Hill to beat the Scots this weekend.
Up next for them is a trip to Muirfield for the Calcutta Cup match against Scotland. The Scots have won in Wales and lost a lead when losing at home to France.
It should be a cracker of a match at Muirfield on February 24. Scotland so nearly came into this match with two wins. They won away in Wales by a point but had to withstand a great comeback by the home side. Scotland also led at home to France but lost the game. Their second half performances need to be improved losing 36-10 in two games compared to 33-10 in the first period. Vbet offer 1.54 they can beat England this weekend. Don't forget to read all our Six Nations Betting Tips for all the games.
Worrying Times for France
It's not been an easy Six Nations so far for France. They certainly would not have expected to start the tournament with a 38-17 home loss to defending champions Ireland. Many saw that match as being the one that could possibly even determine who wins the Six Nations in 2024.
France had a new captain for that game and it was the worst possible start for Gregory Alldritt. Having Paul Willemse sent off in the first half didn't help their cause at all. It was a poor display though and the odds on them winning the Six Nations soon began to lengthen.
Up next for the French was a trip to Scotland which is never an easy place to go and get a win. France again struggled and were 10-3 down at half time. A second defeat would have been a nightmare for France but they fought back well in the second half and ran out 20-16 winners.
It still wasn't a good time for their new captain as he went off injured in the second half. Scotland thought they'd won the match but a controversial ending to the match saw them have a try ruled out. William Hill give odds of 1.91 on France to win on a -26 point handicap.
February 25 sees them host Italy looking to make it two wins out of three. Italy have lost their first two games but came close to getting their first ever win over England, only losing by three points. Then they lost 36-0 in Dublin and their away performances still need a lot of improvement. That's why it's 19.0 at bet365 they win in Paris. Follow all the results on our Six Nations Livescore.
Odds to win the Six Nations
- Ireland - odds of 1.11
- England - odds of 10.00
- France - odds of 21.00
- Scotland - odds of 23.00
- Wales - odds of 201.00
- Italy - odds of 1001.00
Odds from bet365
