Grand Slam Battle set to go to the Wire
Results from round two of the 2020 RBS Six Nations mean that only two countries retain a chance of claiming the Grand Slam. Ireland’s dominant victory over Wales and France’s entertaining win over a spirited Italian unit leaves the two teams within reach of the title and that clean sweep of five wins from five.
Intriguingly, the very last match of this season’s competition takes place in Paris on March 14 as the French host Andy Farrell’s Ireland. Will it be a case of winner takes all or will either of those sides have slipped up in their quest for the trophy?
Current Opinion
While France and Ireland are the only sides with 100% records after round two, neither nation features at the top of the betting markets. If we take a look at the Six Nations betting odds, England are clear favourites on the Betfair exchange. Ireland are relatively close in second place with France following on in third.
In terms of Grand Slam betting, France are marginally in front of the Irish but there is a third option and this carries a much shorter price. No Grand Slam Winner can be claimed as a clear, odds-on favourite, but have the bookmakers really got this right?
French Not Fancied
There seems to be very little support in the markets for France, despite the fact that Fabien Galthie’s side lead the table from Ireland based on points scored. Perhaps the concern is down to the fact that this attacking French unit has conceded 39 points at the wrong end of the pitch. That tally is more than any other nation at this stage, with the exception of wooden spoon contenders Italy.
The fact that the Italians, who lost their 24th Six Nations game in succession, put 22 points on the French, would be a concern for potential backers. However, France look to be an underrated side right now, and it’s worth remembering that they should have progressed to a World Cup semi-final had it not been for a moment of madness from Sebastien Vahaamahina.
France travel to Wales next with a chance to avenge that quarter-final defeat, but the Welsh are odds-on favourites for a win on home soil.
Irish Eye Title
It could also be argued that Ireland have had the toughest assignments to date and that Andy Farrell’s side have the easiest fixture list moving forward. Any tie with Wales is going to offer a serious challenge, and the nature of Ireland’s 24-14 victory suggests that they may be the stronger bet for Grand Slam Glory.
Next up is a trip to Twickenham which, on paper, looks to offer a stiff test. Eddie Jones’ England do look to be suffering a World Cup hangover, however, and the Irish should be more than hopeful of maintaining that 100% record.
An Irish victory over Italy in Dublin should be guaranteed and it will all come down to the last-day decider. The Grand Slam is in Irish sights and despite what the bookmakers may say, the men in green look a solid bet with every chance to convert.