Six Nations: Owen Farrell set to be available for Calcutta Cup clash

England captain Owen Farrell looks likely to be available for the start of the Six Nations, despite his four-week suspension for a dangerous tackle.

The incident occurred in Saracens’ Premiership visit to Gloucester, meaning that the fly-half will miss his club side's European matches against Lyon and Edinburgh, along with the visit to Bristol in the Premiership.

The four-week ban will however be reduced to three weeks, as long as Farrell attends a coaching intervention programme, coordinated by World Rugby.

The news is a boost to new coach Steve Borthwick, as he continues to make his Six Nations preparations ahead of the curtain-raiser against Scotland at Twickenham.

England are 1/5 favourites for the opener in the Game Betting 3-Way market, whilst Scotland are 7/2 to come out on top, as they did at Murrayfield in last year’s campaign.

A victory for England would see their odds shorten for Triple Crown success, with odds of 5/1 pre-tournament.

They are also currently third favourites to win the Six Nations at 9/2, with odds of 9/1 for an unlikely Grand Slam.

After the visit of Scotland, England play host to Italy the following weekend, before a trip to the Principality Stadium to take on Wales after a weekend off.

They then host defending Grand Slam champions France a fortnight later before a trip to Ireland, pre-tournament favourites at 11/8, at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday 18th March.

World Cup year begins

The start of the Six Nations carries greater significance this year, with eyes already on the World Cup in France this Autumn.

England will be looking to return to form following an indifferent showing in last year’s Autumn Internationals, which led to Eddie Jones losing his job.

Borthwick’s men are fifth in the betting for the showpiece event at 11/2 as things stand, but he will need to oversee rapid improvements before then, starting with Scotland at Twickenham.

Any odds displayed are correct at the time of writing and are subject to fluctuation.

Matt Gibbs

• Six Nations Championship
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