2025 Six Nations round two: Prediction, Tips and Odds

All eyes will be on the top and the bottom of the Six Nations in round two as the top two in the betting France and Ireland go on the road looking to build on bonus-point wins on the opening weekend, while Italy and Wales battle it out in Rome seeking their first points.

France take on England in what should be the match of the round and they will be full of confidence having won the last two head-to-heads, including a 53-10 demolition on their last trip to Twickenham, while Ireland face Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday.

Graham Woods' Six Nations round two match tips

Italy vs Wales TriBet - Any Other Result (either team to win by one to six points or draw) @ 13/8
France -6.5 v England @ 1/1
Ireland to win by one to 12 points @ 11/8

Italy vs Wales TriBet - Any Other Result (either team to win by one to six points or draw) @ 13/8

Italy joined the Six Nations 25 years ago and have played 126 matches in the tournament so far, winning 15 times. But only once before have they started as favourites - against Scotland in 2008, when they successfully covered a two-point handicap in a 23-20 victory.

But 17 years on the Azzurri are favourites again as they host Wales in what has been billed as the Wooden Spoon decider.

Wales picked up that accolade last year, losing at home to Italy for the second time in three years, but they have been victorious on their last eight visits to Rome.

Italy are clearly an improving side and after a spell of nearly five years without a win against a tier-one side, they have picked up four inside the last 36 months, against Scotland, Australia and Wales twice.

Remarkably all those wins came by no more than three points, and their last 14 successes against tier-one sides have been by seven points or fewer. 

There’s so much at stake that this game has all the makings of another tight encounter and it could well swing either way.

Wales were torn apart by France last week but Italy don’t have the same attacking threat and have been the lowest tryscorers in the Six Nations for the past six years.

The best bet could come in the TriBet market, which allows you to back either team to win by seven points or more or any other result, which comprises a victory for either side by no more than six or a draw.

France -6.5 v England @ 1/1

Tournament favourites France exploded into life with a 43-0 rout of Wales in their opening match while England needed two late scores to claim a losing bonus point against Ireland.

The contrast between the current fortunes of these two great rugby rivals could be laid bare at Twickenham on Saturday.

France’s attacking flair was so impressive against the Welsh and with scrum-half Antoine Dupont pulling the strings they may not miss suspended fly-half Romain Ntamack, while the return of free-scoring winger Damian Penaud is another boost.

England head coach Steve Borthwick has made a bold play by moving fly-half Marcus Smith to full-back and starting Fin Smith at number 10. His thinking looks to be that France like to kick deep and having playmakers at 10 and 15 will allow them to create attacking opportunities on the counter. 

It’s an untested gameplan and while pairing Northampton clubmates Alex Mitchell and Fin Smith in the half-back slot should help, it’s hard to see England hitting the ground running with attacking fluency.

France have that and a hugely physical pack as well and they can ease to a comfortable win. 

Ireland to win by one to 12 points @ 11/8

Scotland did their best to shout down those who see the Six Nations as a two-horse race between France and Ireland as they claimed a bonus-point win over Italy last week, but they know they face a far tougher test against the champions on Sunday.

Ireland took their time to get into gear against some tenacious England defending last week., but young fly-half Sam Prendergast slotted in well and their attack was firing after the break as they ran in three tries.

The Irish have the upper hand in this rivalry with 21 wins in 25 Six Nations meetings, and victories in the last 10 in all competitions, and their physical strength could be the deciding factor.

Scotland had a strong autumn, winning three of their four Tests, but they were second best against South Africa, the most powerful of their opponents.

Ireland don’t boast the strength of the Springboks but still have the edge up front and the return of flanker Peter O’Mahony and centre Robbie Henshaw has bulked the side up further.

There were only four points in it when the teams met in Dublin last year and Ireland’s 17-13 victory sealed the title. It may be similarly close this time but Ireland can power to another win.

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.