The Six Nations reaches a climax this weekend, with Ireland, Scotland and France all in the running for the title.
This year's northern-hemisphere showpiece has served up a number of unexpected results, with Italy beating Scotland and England, Scotland beating England and France, and Ireland securing a valuable win in London.
While the Grand Slam is no longer up for grabs, three teams remaining in the running for the Six Nations title ahead of the final round.
France and Scotland have 16 log points apiece at this stage, while Ireland are third in the standings with 14.
Whoever wins the battle between Ireland and Scotland in Dublin on Saturday afternoon will move into first place, and then hope that England do them a favour by beating France in Paris later in the evening.
Elsewhere, Wales will host Italy in Cardiff in what will be a crucial game for both teams.
Italy will be desperate to secure their third win of the campaign – and ultimately their best-ever finish on the table.
Wales will be looking to end a 15-game losing streak in this tournament that stretches back to 2023.
The Six Nations action will be preceded by an important United Rugby Championship derby between the Vodacom Bulls and DHL Stormers in Pretoria on Saturday afternoon.
Bulls v Stormers
- Date: Saturday, 14 March
- Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
- Time: 2pm (SA Time)
- TV: SuperSport
Much has changed since the early stages of the season, when the Stormers were riding high at the top of the table and the Bulls were staring down the barrel after losing seven games in a row. More recently, the Bulls have won four on the bounce, while the Stormers have dropped three derbies in succession. Several Springboks will be available for the coming derby after enjoying an extensive break, and the battle between Test flyhalves Handré Pollard and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu will be one to savour. The Stormers start at 3.40 underdogs and with a +7 handicap (1.95) – and both bets are worth taking.
Ireland v Scotland
- Date: Saturday, 14 March
- Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
- Time: 4:10 pm (SA Time)
- TV: SuperSport
Scotland will be brimming with confidence after their 50-40 win over France – the pre-tournament title favourites. However, they've not managed to beat Ireland during Gregor Townsend's long tenure – a streak that runs to 11 Tests – and Andy Farrell's side will fancy their chances at home. A win will keep title hopes alive, but both teams may consider a push for a four-try bonus that heaps the pressure on France in the later game. Brave bettors may opt for a Scotland win (2.80), but with both teams pushing for tries and bonus points, the overall tally may be higher than usual, and so the Ireland and overall 49.5 bet (2.80) is worth exploring.
Wales v Italy
- Date: Saturday, 14 March
- Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
- Time: 6:40 (SA Time)
- TV: SuperSport
Wales have shown a steady improvement over the course of the tournament, and gave Ireland a fright in the 27-17 defeat last week. They have not managed to end their losing streak, however, and may struggle to beat the Azzurri this week, starting as 2.50 underdogs. That said, it could be another reasonably tight finish, as Wales' +4 handicap (1.90) suggests.
France v England
- Date: Saturday, 14 March
- Venue: Stade de France, Paris
- Time: 10:10pm (SA Time)
- TV: SuperSport
A week ago, France were the favourites to complete a Grand Slam of victories – and actually travelled to Scotland knowing that another bonus-point win would be enough to secure the Six Nations title with a round to spare. The loss in Edinburgh has changed everything, and depending on what transpires in the earlier fixture in Dublin, they may need a big win against England in Paris to retain the title. England need a big performance after delivering a series of lacklustre displays, but may find a French team with its own point to prove. England start as 5.00 underdogs, and the +15 handicap (1.95) is a worth a bet, given the pressure they are under to produce a convincing display after three straight losses.
