2023 Six Nations: Round 3 Predictions

We’re back to Six Nations action this weekend, with Scotland aiming to keep their Grand Slam campaign on track in Paris, whilst England travel to Wales and Ireland face Italy.

Here are my Six Nations predictions for Round 3.

Italy v Ireland

Ireland should win this fairly comfortably, but I expect them to try a few new things in addition to their new halfback pairing. With the clock running down ahead of the World Cup, this is a potential opportunity for Andy Farrell to set his side up with a different gameplan that might be required later in the year. Italy won’t be a pushover at home though, and it’s very difficult to forecast how the game will play out. Ireland by 18

Wales v England

The Welsh were awful in Edinburgh in Round 2, whilst England showed a little more ambition and structure against Italy, and the visitors should be favourites. But with the threat of strike action stirring emotions in Cardiff even more than they are usually, this could be a feisty affair. Wales’ fire and brimstone could catch England cold, but England ought to win on current form. England by 7

France v Scotland

This should be a great game on Sunday, with Scotland exceeding expectations so far, whilst France are falling a little short. The Scots won in Paris on their most recent visit, and with confidence rising, they’ll fancy their chances of a result here. My instinct says that France remain a better side, and whilst it could go either way, I’m backing the home side for now. I’m not locking it for now though, and I might back the Scots if Wales beat England and leave me playing catch-up. France by 4