Six Nations Rugby - Ireland vs Scotland Rugby betting preview

Ireland V Scotland

There was a sense that everything was ok in the Irish camp after coming so close to catching France in Paris in the last round but for me it was a false feeling. Lets face it, France took their foot off the pedal and made a few changes but if they hadn’t then they could have beaten the Irish by a cricket score. Ireland have fallen a way back from previous glories and the absence of Paul O Connell is a huge loss to them, in the lineout especially but more so psychologically as his presence is a big help. He’s back on the bench today so hopefully we will see him at some stage.

Anyway onto today and Eddie O Sullivan has called up Tommy Bowe to the wing. Mick O'Driscoll is also promoted to the starting line-up in place of Malcolm O Kelly where he will start alongside Donncha O'Callaghan.

Scotland also ring the changes with Scott MacLeod and Alasdair Strokosch introduced to the pack, with Rory Lamont and Simon Webster returning from injury. Paterson has been moved to stand off. Scotland have two of the together games out of the way now so in a sense they should be able to relax and play within themselves. They have some very strong physical runners and need the likes of Lamont to play well and Paterson to have his shooting boots on. Ireland for some reason don’t seem to like playing the Scots and they have done nothing in this comp to suggest that they can beat the line which is set at 12.

This could go down to the wire and for me a lot will depend on who gets the kicking right, O Gara or Paterson. I can’t see a free flowing game with too many scores so I think the best option may be under on the points total. Neither side are renowned for their high scoring games and as mentioned before I think this could all cone down to accuracy from the frees.

Pick : under 39 points total
Odds : 2.00
Stake : 6 / 10
Bookmaker : William Hill
Match Result : 34-13
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