2022 Six Nations specials predictions, rugby union tips and odds

Free rugby union tips, best bets and analysis for the Six Nations tournament markets.

Best bets

Scotland v England to be lowest-scoring game
1pt 15-2 bet365

Over 1.5 red cards
2pts 10-11 bet365

Tournament specials preview

Points have flowed freely in recent tournaments and bookmakers have pushed their line high in anticipation of another high-scoring jamboree.

There will be some big scores, and teams are lining up to boost their points difference against Italy. Scotland, who for many years struggled for tries, have a dangerous backline. Leinster have shown a ruthless streak in Europe which may well carry into this tournament for Ireland, and domestically sides are showing greater ambition, kicking to the corners and chasing tries rather than snapping up easy points with a shot at goal.

But the Six Nations remains an unforgiving arena, and the first weekend is so crucial. Saturday’s opening matches look set to be fiercely contested, while France may not be at full strength when they take on Italy.

Bookmakers have pitched their tournament points line around the 685 mark but there is every chance that figure could quickly come down after the first weekend.

Only three matches last year produced fewer than 40 points but two of those were in the first round when caution is the watchword and not losing is more important than winning.

The same fixtures are played out this weekend, and rainy forecasts in Dublin and Edinburgh suggest we could be in for more low-scoring fare when Ireland play Wales and Scotland take on England.

The best way to cash in could be by backing the Calcutta Cup clash to be the lowest-scoring match of the tournament, as it was in 2021.

Just one of the last eight meetings between Scotland and England at Murrayfield has produced more than 30 points.

Red cards were a huge talking point at the 2019 World Cup and that carried on into the Six Nations in 2021, when five were dished out.

Given that total it’s a surprise to see the line set at 1.5 for this year’s tournament and it's worth backing that there are at least two.

Refereeing directives and interpretations are open to change but there's no hiding place when it comes to foul play, and high tackles, head collisions and other incidents are punished fully even when there is no intent but players have been reckless.

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