Ireland are big favourites to win the 2025 Six Nations Championship

Ireland will be looking to lift the Six Nations Championship trophy for the third successive time and they get their campaign started this weekend, therefore why not add to the excitement by registering with any of our featured UK betting sites, then take advantage of the very best Six Nations odds and free bet bonuses.

 

Six Nations Odds – Will it be three on the bounce for Ireland?

 

Update: 18.02.25

After two rounds of Six Nations fixtures, Ireland are firmly in control and hold a four point lead at the summit of the standings with two wins and two bonus points. Is the race for the trophy already over or can anyone catch the Boys in Green before they snatch a third successive Six Nations crown?

 

The Six Nations Championship is back in full swing following a weekend off, the tournament continuing to captivate and thrill rugby fans with some intense matches and huge rivalries. Here we look at the current standings, betting odds for the tournament winner, Grand Slam, Triple Crown, and top try scorer, offering insights into which teams and players are leading the charge.

Current Standings and Form

After two rounds of Six Nations fixtures, the standings are as follows:

  1. Ireland: 2 wins, 0 losses
  2. France: 1 win, 1 loss
  3. England: 1 win, 1 loss
  4. Scotland: 1 win, 1 loss
  5. Italy: 1 win, 1 loss
  6. Wales: 0 wins, 2 losses

As expected, Ireland have demonstrated some exceptional form, the Boys in Green securing victories over England and Scotland, positioning themselves as strong contenders for a third consecutive title. France, despite an early loss to Ireland, remain a formidable force with a dynamic squad. England and Scotland have shown resilience, each securing one win apiece, while Italy’s historic victory over Wales has energised their campaign. Wales, however, face huge challenges, having yet to secure a win.

Tournament Winner Odds

The competition remains hugely fierce, however it’s hard to envisage Ireland slipping up. According to the latest odds from leading bookmaker BetVictor:

  • Ireland: 8/15
  • France: 7/2
  • England: 6/1
  • Scotland: 100/1
  • Italy: 500/1
  • Wales: 750/1

Ireland’s dominant performances have solidified their position as overwhelming favourites. France’s odds reflect their potential to challenge for the title, while England remain in contention. Scotland, Italy, and Wales are considered long shots, with significant upsets required to alter their trajectories.

Grand Slam Odds

Achieving a Grand Slam—winning all five matches—is a prestigious accomplishment. With Ireland as the only remaining contender, the odds are:

  • Ireland to achieve Grand Slam: 10/11
  • No Grand Slam winner: 11/10

Ireland’s path to a Grand Slam includes challenging fixtures against Wales, France and Italy, however it’s hard to see them failing against the likes of Wales and Italy. France will likely provide them with their sternest test.

Triple Crown Odds

The Triple Crown is awarded to a Home Nation (England, Ireland, Scotland, or Wales) that defeats the other three in the same tournament. With Ireland having already beaten England and Scotland, the current odds are:

  • Ireland to win Triple Crown: 1/33
  • No Triple Crown winner: 16/1
  • Wales to win Triple Crown: 250/1

Ireland’s upcoming match against Wales will determine the Triple Crown outcome.

Top Try Scorer Odds

Individual brilliance often shines in the Six Nations. Current favorites for top try scorer, according to Oddschecker, include:

  • Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France): 4/7
  • Huw Jones (Scotland): 9/2
  • Tommy Freeman (England): 9/1
  • Damian Penaud (France): 16/1

Bielle-Biarrey’s exceptional form has made him the frontrunner, while Huw Jones and Tommy Freeman are also strong contenders.

Analysis and Predictions

Ireland’s consistent performance under interim head coach Simon Easterby has positioned them as big odds-on favourites for the championship and a potential Grand Slam. Their disciplined play and depth make them formidable opponents. France, with their blend of power and flair, remain a significant threat, especially with key players like Antoine Dupont orchestrating their attack. England’s prospects hinge on upcoming performances.

The race for top try scorer is intensifying, with Louis Bielle-Biarrey leading due to his clinical finishing. However, players like Huw Jones and Tommy Freeman are within striking distance, promising an exciting contest.

 


 

27.01.25

As the 2025 Six Nations Championship approaches, England’s rugby team, under head coach Steve Borthwick, are poised for a challenging yet promising campaign. The squad has undergone significant changes, with Maro Itoje taking over the captaincy from Jamie George, signaling a new leadership direction.

 

Preparations

England’s preparations for the 2025 Six Nations Championship have seen significant developments under head coach Steve Borthwick. On January 14, 2025, Borthwick announced a 36-player training squad, appointing Maro Itoje as the new captain, with Ellis Genge and Jamie George serving as vice-captains.

 

Uncapped players

The squad includes two uncapped players from Harlequins: winger Cadan Murley and center Oscar Beard. Notably, Saracens No.8 Tom Willis has been recalled, with rugby legend Lawrence Dallaglio praising Willis’s potential impact on the team.

 

Injury concerns

Injury concerns have affected the squad’s composition. Hooker Jamie George and scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet are set to miss the opening matches against Ireland and France due to injuries. However, scrum-half Alex Mitchell has been declared fit and is expected to start in the opener against Ireland. Borthwick is also considering tactical adjustments, including deploying Marcus Smith at full-back and Freddie Steward on the wing, to leverage their respective strengths.

England’s Six Nations campaign begins on February 1, 2025, with an away match against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

 

Recent Performance and Outlook

England’s recent form has been mixed, with seven losses in their last ten Tests, including three consecutive defeats at Allianz Stadium. Despite these setbacks, the team has shown resilience, narrowly losing to top-tier teams like South Africa and New Zealand, and securing a notable victory against France. These performances suggest that England remains competitive but needs to find consistency to challenge for the title.

 

Key Players to Watch

  • Maro Itoje (Captain, Lock): Known for his leadership and dynamic play, Itoje’s promotion to captain is expected to inspire the squad.
  • Alex Mitchell (Scrum-half): Identified as a key player, Mitchell’s quick decision-making and agility will be crucial in orchestrating England’s attack.
  • Tommy Freeman (Wing): At 23, Freeman combines speed with strategic play. Overcoming personal challenges, including managing epilepsy, he brings resilience and creativity to the wing position.
  • Tom Willis (No. 8): Drawing comparisons to New Zealand’s Kieran Read, Willis’s physicality and line-out skills make him a potential game-changer. His experience in France’s Top 14 league has further honed his abilities.

Strategic Considerations

Critics have noted England’s traditionally conservative approach, emphasizing discipline and basic gameplay. To compete with more dynamic teams like France, there’s a call for Borthwick to broaden players’ responsibilities and encourage adaptability during matches. This evolution could involve integrating versatile playing styles and fostering a more fluid game plan.

 

Fixture Overview

England’s 2025 Six Nations fixtures are as follows:

  • February 1: Away vs. Ireland at Aviva Stadium, Dublin
  • February 8: Home vs. France at Twickenham Stadium
  • February 22: Home vs. Scotland at Twickenham Stadium
  • March 9: Home vs. Italy at Twickenham Stadium
  • March 15: Away vs. Wales at Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Starting the tournament against reigning champions Ireland in Dublin presents a formidable challenge. Success in this opener for England could set a positive tone for the remainder of the championship.

 

Conclusion

England enter the 2025 Six Nations with a blend of seasoned leaders and emerging talents. While recent performances have been inconsistent, strategic adjustments and the infusion of new energy could position them as strong contenders. The upcoming fixtures will be pivotal in determining their trajectory in this prestigious tournament.

 

Six Nations Winner Odds

(correct as of Monday, 27th January 2025)

 

19/10 – Ireland

2/1  –  France

9/2  –  England

15/2 –  Scotland

70/1 –  Wales

250/1 – Italy