Six Nations 2010

Six Nations 2010

The Six Nations is an annual International Rugby Union tournament held between the top six northern hemisphere rugby nations. The countries involved are England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales. Each team plays each other once, with home advantage alternating each year.

Since the Six Nations began in 2000, England have won the tournament three times; 2000, 2001 and 2003. England are some people’s dark horses to make a challenge for the title despite France and Ireland appearing to be superior on paper. Under Martin Johnson the England team has improved markedly since their poor seasons post World Cup glory. With some exciting young players, England look good to cause their opponents problems.

France are the most successful side in the Six Nations, winning the competition four times in ten attempts since 2000. Two of their victories, in 2002 and 2004 were “Grand Slams”; which means that they won all of their five games. Their immensely strong forward line and physical backs make facing France a tough prospect in 2010. They are favourites to take the title again in 2010 with best odds of 6/4.

Last years Grand Slam winners Ireland have a tough task to retain their crown with away matches against England and France. Their squad has great strength in depth and they look to be one of the contenders for the title once again. For back to back Grand Slams Ireland are best price 6/1.

Italy, who joined the competition in 2000 have never won the Six Nations and their best finish was fourth in 2007 after beating Scotland at Murrayfield for their first away victory and following that up with a home win over Wales. Their best hope of victory is always seen to be against the Scots who they take on in Rome this season. Italy are 1000/1 rank outsiders for the title.

Since the Six Nations began, Scotland have had a poor record. Struggling to score tries and without an away victory in many seasons, the Scots look unlikely to cause any upsets in this years competition. The Scottish side have a home game against England this year, which may be their best chance for victory apart from the away fixture versus Italy.

For Wales the Six Nations is always a very important competition for the team and the Welsh public. Rugby Union is the national sport of Wales and the team certainly punches above its weight against the bigger nations in the championship.

Betting on the Six Nations is always interesting as there are many different things to have a punt on. Individual match betting , the championship winner, the winner of the Triple Crown, the wooden spoon, top points scorer and top tryscorer are just a few of the options available to people wanting to place a wager on the 2010 Six Nations.

Best Six Nations 2010 Betting Odds