Six Nations week 3 preview: France continue their hunt for the Grand Slam while Wales travel to Twickenham

The Six Nations returns after a week off with a huge clash between England and Wales, a potential walk in the park for Ireland against Italy and a compelling challenge for Les Bleus in Edinburgh.

We preview the third-round matchups below.

Scotland v France

France have everything to lose this weekend, being the only team still in contention for the Grand Slam following an impressive victory over Ireland last time out. Les Bleus travel to Murrayfield to face Scotland, who suffered a close defeat to Wales in the last round.

If France’s spectacular performance against Ireland is anything to go by, Scotland may struggle to keep Les Bleus at bay. Fabien Galthié’s side currently have the most tries, try assists and turnovers won in the competition so far. Scotland will need to be sharp from kick-off with threats all over the place, including Antoine Dupont who scored an early try like against Ireland.

Gregor Townsend’s team put an end to France’s Grand Slam hopes two years in a row in 2020 and 2021, and they have won the last three matches at Murrayfield. However, an injury struck Scotland team may struggle against France’s recent run of form, especially with Rory Sutherland and Jonny Gray ruled out.

Following Les Bleus’ win against Ireland, which is said to have been the title decider, France are the 11/4 favourites, while the home side are 11/5 with the handicap set at 7 points.

England v Wales

A raucous crowd is expected to fill Twickenham for the first time in 2022 as England take on Wales. Every year this encounter promises to be an intensely passionate spectacle.

England earned themselves a bonus point win over Italy, which has placed them second in the championship. Eddie Jones’ side have won nine of the last 10 games at Twickenham and the pressure is on for them to deliver in order to keep their championship hopes alive. Manu Tuilagi is expected to make a highly anticipated return to join Henry Slade in the centre, while Courtney Lawes is also available for selection.

Wayne Pivac’s team travel to Twickenham off the back of a stellar performance against Scotland. Welsh fans are excited about the long-awaited return of world class no.8 Taulupe Faletau, whose experience against England will be invaluable. Louis Rees-Zammit has been dropped from the squad this week as Josh Adams returns from injury.

England are expected to physically dominate Wales at Twickenham, which is reflected in the market with England backed at 1/6 to win. Wales must settle for underdog status at 4/1.

Ireland v Italy

Italy were handed their 34th consecutive Six Nations defeat in the second round as England prevented them from scoring a single point, and it is more than likely that Andy Farrell’s Irish will make it a 35th this weekend.

Ireland will be striving for a bonus point win in Dublin after a heart-breaking defeat in Paris. Following skipper Joey Carbery’s impressive performance against France, Farrell may use this game as an opportunity to give the Leinster fly-half another run out. Sexton is available for selection but the game against Italy could provide a good opportunity to rest some of their big names ahead of the clash against England in the fourth round.

Italy will be looking to improve upon their ill-disciplined performance against England. Kieran Crowley will be hope for a few more positives from this one to put the calls for Italy to leave the Six Nations to rest.

Ireland are, inevitably, huge favourites at 1/150, with Italy 18/1. Given Ireland’s recent form at the Aviva Stadium, the 10/11 odds available for a -39 handicap may be appealing.

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