This weekend at William Hill sees the culmination of the Sochi Winter Olympics, a full schedule of Premier League football matches, Six Nations and Super Rugby matches, and the 2nd test match between South Africa and Australia in Port Elizabeth.
However, it is rugby union, and specifically the Six Nations, which has our attention this weekend. The Home Nations and their continental partners are squaring off for a round of matches that should result in blood, sweat, and in at least 3 cases, tears.
Wales-France in Cardiff, Friday 21 February 2023 — Kick-off 21:00 CET
Friday, 21 February, 2014 sees Wales taking on France at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium. Injury worries for the Welsh backline mean that George North has had to move from his preferred position on the wing to cover the outside center position.
However, the 6ft 4in Welshman will be an imposing presence for his French opposite number, Mathieu Bastareaud. France, for the most part, have kept the same team that beat Italy 30-10 in the previous round of matches, with the only change being Wenceslas Lauret’s return to the back line in place of Bernard le Roux after a top-notch performance for his club, Racing Metro.
We’re betting on France to take this one, but, as ever, the Welsh won’t be easy pushovers in their national sport. This crunch match is one to watch. William Hill is offering 13/10 odds on France to win, at the time of writing.
Italy-Scotland in Rome, Saturday 22 February 2023 — Kick-off 14:30 CET
Further ahead, to Saturday, 22 February, 2014, the match between Scotland and Italy should also be a hard-hitting one, with the visiting Scots looking to take home a victory from a venue they haven’t won at since 2006.
Both teams are also looking to avoid the ignominy of last place in the European tournament, and thus you can expect, if not a clash of the titans, then certainly a bruising encounter for dignity and self-respect.
Our money is on Scotland to win, but who knows what will happen? William Hill says 4 will get you 6 on Scotland to win.
England-Ireland at Twickenham, Saturday 22 February 2023 — Kick-off 17:00 CET
Finally, the main match of the weekend is the Celtic battle against the old enemy. England host Ireland at Twickenham, where Brian O’Driscoll will make history in equaling George Gregan’s world record 139 Test caps.
On the English side, newly returned David Wilson takes over tight-head duties from Dan Cole, with uncapped boy wonder George Ford on the bench for the English roses.
Ireland currently top the table, with France placing second currently, but a strong performance from the men in white will pry this competition wide open. Ireland have trampled over their opponents in the previous two rounds, including favorites Wales, and look to be the team to beat this year.
England will not go down without a fight, however. The heartbreakingly close loss against France earlier this month would have gone down as a famous victory, were it not for Gallic tenacity and unpredictability. So, as ever, keep an eye on this one.
At the moment, it’s still anybody’s to win, but we reckon that Ireland will take it, as they are the form team this tournament. However, the expectations of this match might cause some uncertainty in the Irish camp. Whatever happens, expect a close match between two of the best sides in rugby. William Hill is offering 11/8 odds on Ireland to take this one. In other words, hold on, it’s going to be a bumpy ride.
For all your Six Nations or Super Rugby betting action, head on over to William Hill, where you can also place wagers on this weekend’s Olympic men’s ice hockey final, as well as other sports and casino games.