Rugby Union Betting Tips: Six Nations Outright, Grand Slam, Triple Crown, Wooden Spoon Tips, Predictions and Best Bets

Herrin Kendrick, our rugby betting tips expert, is back to offer invaluable insights and predictions for the eagerly anticipated 2024 Six Nations tournament, which commences this weekend. This year, the tournament comes with intriguing twists and turns, offering a blend of traditional rivalries and fresh challenges.

Below, we delve into an in-depth analysis and predictions for various titles, including the Six Nations outright, Grand Slam, Triple Crown, Wooden Spoon, as well as top tryscorer, points, and Player of the Championship accolades. Enhance your betting experience by exploring the rugby betting offers we’ve compiled for you.

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Six Nations 2024 Outright Predictions

£20 Returns £44

Reason for tip: France, motivated by World Cup near-miss, enters Six Nations with a talented squad and strong leadership, making them leading contenders, especially with home advantage in key fixtures.

Best Bookmaker for this selection:

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£20 Returns £83

Reason for tip: Damian Penaud, in exceptional form, is a key player for France with his space-finding and finishing skills, making him a top candidate for highest try-scorer in the Six Nations.

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£10 Returns £90

Reason for tip: Marcus Smith, known for dynamic play and scoring, is a leading contender for top points scorer in England's strategy, especially with Farrell absent, excelling in tries, conversions, and penalties.

Six Nations Outright: France’s Redemption Journey

France’s Quest for Glory: Rebuilding and Resurgence

After the heartbreak of their World Cup exit, France is looking to make a strong statement in this year’s Six Nations. The absence of their talismanic scrum-half Antoine Dupont is indeed a significant blow, but the depth of talent in the French squad cannot be underestimated. Head coach Fabien Galthie is known for his tactical acumen and ability to rally his troops, and this year’s championship presents an ideal platform for Les Bleus to showcase their resilience and hunger for success.

Key Player: The Penaud Factor

Damian Penaud, a name synonymous with flair and finishing, will be pivotal in France’s offensive arsenal. His remarkable ability to break defences and score tries is well documented, not just in the World Cup but also in his scintillating performances in the previous Six Nations. Penaud’s form and consistency make him one of the most feared wingers in international rugby, and his contributions will be key to France’s title aspirations.

Ireland’s Title Defence in the Post-Sexton Era

Ireland’s Road Ahead: A New Chapter

The retirement of Johnny Sexton marks the end of an era for Irish rugby. As the defending champions, Ireland faces the daunting task of replicating their previous successes without their influential fly-half. The challenge for head coach Andy Farrell is not just about filling Sexton’s boots but also ensuring the team adapts to this significant change. Ireland’s depth and their proven track record in recent years will be tested in this transition phase.

England’s Resurgence: A New Direction

England’s Comeback Trail: Borthwick’s Blueprint

Steve Borthwick, having taken over the reins of the England squad, faces the challenge of reviving England’s fortunes in the Six Nations. The focus will be on developing new strategies and integrating young talents like Marcus Smith, who is rapidly emerging as a key player in the fly-half position. England’s journey in this year’s championship is not just about results; it’s about laying down a marker for the future and showcasing their potential under a new leadership model.

England

Scotland’s Potential Upsets: Dark Horses of the Tournament

Scotland’s Prospects: Ambition and Talent

Scotland, under the guidance of Gregor Townsend, could be the dark horses of this year’s Six Nations. With talents like Finn Russell in their ranks, Scotland possesses the ability to upset the odds. Their home fixtures, in particular, offer them a chance to showcase their prowess and challenge the top teams. Scotland’s potential for causing upsets will add an intriguing element to the tournament.

Wales and Italy’s Challenges: Rebuilding and Resilience

Wales’ Transitional Phase: Gatland’s New Era

Wales, led by Warren Gatland, enters a period of transition with the departure of experienced players like Louis Rees-Zammit and Dan Biggar. This phase is crucial for the development of the younger players, who must step up and fill the void. The focus will be on rebuilding and finding a new identity, making Wales a team to watch in terms of their progress.

Italy’s Wooden Spoon Concern: Seeking an Upturn

Italy’s struggle in the Six Nations has been a prolonged concern. Consistently finishing at the bottom, they face yet another challenging campaign. Their last significant victory in the tournament dates back to 2015, highlighting the magnitude of their task. Avoiding the Wooden Spoon is more than just a goal; it’s about showing signs of improvement and competitiveness.

Predictions for Six Nations 2024

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Six Nations Outright Winner: France’s Resurgence

Rationale for France’s Favouritism:
France enters the Six Nations with not only a formidable team but also a mission to redeem themselves after their World Cup heartbreak. The French side, under the astute leadership of Fabien Galthie, boasts a squad brimming with talent and a deep-seated determination to reclaim their lost glory. Their near-miss in the World Cup has only fueled their drive, pushing them to perform with even more vigour and tenacity.

Key Factors for Success:
The French team’s resilience in the face of setbacks is commendable. Their ability to regroup, refocus, and come back stronger after defeats makes them a formidable opponent. Moreover, France’s home advantage, especially in critical fixtures like the one against Ireland, significantly bolsters their chances of clinching the title. This strategic edge, combined with their skilled and motivated squad, positions them as the leading contenders for the outright Six Nations winner.

Grand Slam: The Elusive Crown

Challenges in Achieving a Grand Slam:
Predicting a Grand Slam winner this year seems more challenging than ever. The playing field appears remarkably level, with no single team dominating the landscape across all fixtures. The intense competition and the evenly matched capabilities of the top teams in the Six Nations make the achievement of a Grand Slam a daunting task.

Analysis of Competing Teams:
Each team in the Six Nations brings a unique blend of strengths and weaknesses. While some teams excel in certain aspects of the game, they face formidable challenges in others, leading to a tournament where every match could swing in any direction. This unpredictability and the high level of competition across the board make the prospect of any team winning all their matches – a prerequisite for a Grand Slam – highly uncertain.

Triple Crown: Ireland’s Aspirations Amidst Transition

Ireland’s Strength and Depth:
Despite undergoing significant changes, including adapting to life post-Johnny Sexton, Ireland’s squad remains one of the strongest in the tournament. Their depth in various positions, combined with a strategic approach to the game, keeps them in contention for the Triple Crown.

Potential Roadblocks:
However, Ireland faces a series of tough away fixtures that could test their resolve and adaptability. The key challenge lies in their ability to integrate a new fly-half into their game plan effectively. These factors, combined with the intense competition they face from their British and Irish counterparts, will play a crucial role in determining their success in the Triple Crown race.

Wooden Spoon: Italy’s Continuing Struggle

Italy’s Six Nations Ordeal:
Italy’s prolonged struggle in the Six Nations is expected to persist. The team has been unable to break free from the bottom of the table for several years, and this trend is predicted to continue. Despite showing glimpses of promise, Italy has struggled to convert potential into consistent, winning performances.

Factors Contributing to Italy’s Challenges:
Italy’s inability to keep up with the evolving standards of the other teams in the tournament has been a significant factor in their ongoing struggles. Their lack of depth in key positions and the struggle to maintain performance levels throughout the tournament contribute to their difficulties in avoiding the Wooden Spoon.

Top Tryscorer: Damian Penaud’s Prowess

Penaud’s Exceptional Form:
Damian Penaud, the French winger, comes into the tournament in sensational form. His ability to find and exploit spaces, combined with his clinical finishing, makes him a top candidate for the highest try-scorer of the tournament. Penaud’s role in the French attack is pivotal, and he is expected to receive numerous opportunities to cross the try line.

Penaud’s Edge in the French Setup:
Penaud’s importance in France’s tactical setup and his proven track record in major tournaments amplify his chances. His scoring feats at the World Cup and his consistency in previous Six Nations campaigns underline his potential to top the try-scoring charts once again.

Top Points Scorer: Marcus Smith’s Central Role

Smith’s Emergence as Key Player:
England’s Marcus Smith, with his dynamic playing style and scoring abilities, emerges as a leading contender for the top points scorer. Smith’s potential to play a more central role in England’s strategy this year, particularly in the absence of Owen Farrell, enhances his prospects.

Smith’s Scoring Capabilities:
Smith’s ability to score tries and his proficiency with the boot, including conversions and penalties, provide him with multiple avenues to accumulate points. His pace and agility add an extra dimension to his game, making him a multi-faceted threat on the field.

Player of the Championship: Cameron Woki’s Rise

Woki’s Athletic Prowess:
Cameron Woki, the French forward, is poised to make a significant impact in the tournament. His athletic abilities and versatility in playing both in the lineout and in open play make him a strong contender for the Player of the Championship.

Significant Role in the French Squad:
Woki’s importance in the French setup, especially in the absence of some key players, is expected to be more pronounced. His consistent performances and the ability to influence games both offensively and defensively underline his candidacy for this prestigious individual accolade.

£20 Returns £44

Reason for tip: France, motivated by World Cup near-miss, enters Six Nations with a talented squad and strong leadership, making them leading contenders, especially with home advantage in key fixtures.

Best Bookmaker for this selection:

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£20 Returns £83

Reason for tip: Damian Penaud, in exceptional form, is a key player for France with his space-finding and finishing skills, making him a top candidate for highest try-scorer in the Six Nations.

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£10 Returns £90

Reason for tip: Marcus Smith, known for dynamic play and scoring, is a leading contender for top points scorer in England's strategy, especially with Farrell absent, excelling in tries, conversions, and penalties.


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Herrin Kendrick
Herrin Kendrick is a sports journalist with 10 years of experience in the sports betting industry. His work has been referenced by many sports publications over the years. Sport passionate.