2022 Six Nations top scorer predictions, rugby union tips and odds

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

Best bets

M Hansen top Ireland tryscorer
1pt 15-2 bet365

Preview

The Six Nations top tryscorer market is usually all about speedy wingers, but punters will notice a few familiar names missing this year.

England are without Jonny May and Anthony Watson, France's Teddy Thomas will miss at least the first two rounds through injury, Keith Earls has been overlooked by Ireland, and that leaves three wingers at single-figure odds at the top of the market.

Wales flyer Louis Rees-Zammit tops the bill while compatriot Josh Adams, top tryscorer at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, is also in the mix although he starts at centre against Ireland on Saturday, and last year's winner Duhan van der Merwe is up there too.

Wales scored 20 tries last year but while they have an impressive backline, their pack has been hit by injury and they may lack the power up front to lay a platform.

England coach Eddie Jones has gone for Max Malins and Joe Marchant as his starting wingers against Scotland, while Ireland have rolled the dice with Mack Hansen, who will make his debut on Saturday having scored six tries in nine appearances for Connacht.

So there are a host of unknowns, but Hansen could well be worth a look in the top Ireland tryscorer market given that his domestic record stands out in a squad that have so often shared tries around.

No Ireland player has scored more than two tries in the last two tournaments, while in the autumn their nine tries against Japan were scored by seven different players and against Argentina six players bagged their seven five-pointers.

Hansen, who joined Connacht last year from Super Rugby side the Brumbies, qualifies through his Cork-born mother and he could be the man to provide a sharp focus to Ireland's attacking play.

As well as being the top tryscorer in the United Rugby Championship, he tops the stats for metres gained and defenders beaten.

Ireland fly-half Jonny Sexton heads the betting for top pointscorer from England's Marcus Smith and he looks the right favourite, although he has had spells on the sidelines through injury and at the age of 36 he may find his playing time closely managed.

Not got a bet365 account? Bet £10 & get £50 in free bets

Open account offer. Minimum deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as bet credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Minimum odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude bet credits stake. Time limits/T&Cs apply. 18+ begambleaware.org

CLAIM OFFER HERE

MORE FREE BETS

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport