2024 Six Nations: Round 3 Predictions

Round 2 yielded some big green arrows for me, and I'm now on the verge of the top 10% on the global leaderboard.

It's mostly about the margins this weekend, but could there be an upset at Murrayfield?

Ireland v Wales

Ireland seem to have the measure of everyone at the moment, and they look comfortably the best team in the tournament.

I can't see Wales causing them too many troubles, given their limited attack that we've seen so far, coupled with Ireland's habit of soaking up pressure through their defence.

I'm expecting another business-like performance with 4 tries for the bonus point and another step towards back-to-back Grand Slams. Ireland by 18

Scotland v England

This is the only pick that will divide the community this weekend, with Scotland slight favourites to beat England at Murrayfield. The hosts have had the measure of England in recent meetings, and Scotland's superior attacking game is expected to prove the difference.

England's attack remains poor, and we haven't seen any of the fire and brimstone that we saw towards the end of the World Cup, so the sensible approach is to back a home win. But I'll be watching at my local rugby club and I can't be secretly hoping for a Scotland win for the sake of my Superbru. England by 2

France v Italy

This is unlikely to be anything other than a home win for France, but it might be closer than some people expect. Italy almost caused a huge upset in this fixture last season, and they might just fancy their chances against an out-of-sorts French side.

The hosts have looked rudderless without Antoine Dupont, and if Italy can exert some sustained pressure, France may well capitulate. I'm not brave enough to predict that, but I'm certainly not predicting a blowout win. France by 13