Women's Six Nations predictions: Improving Wales can keep tabs on Ireland

Free rugby tips, best bets and analysis for the Women's Six Nations.

Where to watch

Scotland v England
BBC Two, midday Saturday

Ireland v Wales
BBC Two Wales & Virgin Media One, 4.45pm Saturday

Best bet

Wales +16 v Ireland
1pt 10-11 bet365

Preview

In the 20 years since Italy joined to make five nations six, the Women's Six Nations has been won twice by Ireland, in 2013 and 2015, six times by France and 12 times by England, who have claimed the title in the last three years.

After an incomplete schedule in 2020 and a shortened format in 2021, the competition is back to its full complement of fixtures in a new slot in the calendar.

England go off 4-7 favourites, with France 6-4 and it's 20-1 bar those two, which is no great surprise given the market leaders' records.

Last year the nations were divided into two groups of three and England beat Italy and Scotland by a combined score of 119-13 while France's aggregate margin over Wales and Ireland was 109-15, before the two teams met in a final that England edged 10-6.

There was a similar story in 2020, when England won all five games by an aggregate 219-20, their only real test coming in a 19-13 victory in France.

England give up 44 points against Scotland in Edinburgh on matchday one while Ireland are 16-point favourites over Wales, who look worth backing with a big start.

Ireland have come through a difficult time with a promise of bigger investment after they failed to qualify for last year's World Cup. Wales were well beaten at home in this fixture last year but their autumn results included encouraging wins over Japan and South Africa.

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