Six Nations Week Four Tips: Best bets for this weekend's three matches

After a week’s break the Six Nations returns this weekend with the penultimate round of this year’s matches.

The title, as well as the Grand Slam, is still up for grabs, with Ireland in the driving seat going into their clash with England at Twickenham.

Scotland are the closest challengers for top spot, while transitional England still harbour slim hopes of collecting their first Six Nations title since 2020.

Italy vs Scotland Tip

Even if they are to lose their remaining two games, this will be a Six Nations that Italy can build on with a number of positives for Gonzalo Quesada and his squad.

The Azzurri outscored England by three tries to two in Round One and were unfortunate to lose 24-27, having been three points ahead at the break.

A heavy defeat followed to Ireland in Dublin, but there’s no disgrace in that and they bounced back well against France.

A 13-13 draw could have been an historic win but for a last-gasp penalty from Paolo Garbisi which struck the upright and Italy had to settle for a share of the spoils.

A home clash with Scotland back in Rome on Saturday gives them the chance to make their mark again.

Scotland don’t have the physical power of France or the structured defence of Ireland, but they do have the creativity and flair to make this an open contest.

The exciting attacking talents of Ange Capuozzo and Monty Ioane are joined in the back three this weekend by winger Louis Lynagh, who can be backed at 11/5 to score a try on his debut.

Three of Italy’s four tries this year have been scored by back-three players and Lynagh’s skilful running could make this a debut to remember for the 23-year-old.

England vs Ireland Tip

It’s fair to say that Ireland have been the standout team of the tournament to date, as they prepare now to face England at Twickenham on Saturday.

The defending champions have won their last 11 Six Nations matches and their last four clashes with England - all by a margin of 14 or more points.

It’s not just the string of victories that have been so impressive from Andy Farrell’s men, Ireland have been winning comfortably, playing free-flowing rugby as well as putting up impressive defensive figures.

In contrast, the England coaching team has continually described their squad as a work in progress, as they go through a transitional phase under Steve Borthwick.

Much has been discussed about England’s ‘blitz defence’, but they have struggled to create scoring chances in their opening three games.

It’s hard to see that changing against an Ireland team that has such an impressive all-round game, with the -12 handicap the go to bet at 10/11.

Wales vs Scotland Tip

Sunday’s only Six Nations clash takes place at the Millennium Stadium, where Wales and France look set to field much-changed teams.

It’s been a tournament of struggle for both teams, so far. Wales are without a win this year, while France can count themselves lucky to have one victory on the board.

Warren Gatland knew this year was going to be tough for his squad, especially with Louis Rees-Zammit’s surprise decision pre-tournament to try his luck in the NFL.

They showed spirit and fight in the second half against Scotland and the following week at Twickenham, and will be buoyed by a return to Cardiff.

Les Bleus, despite missing some big names, have been disappointing and coach Fabien Galthie has taken this opportunity to bring in some new faces.

Galthie has made eight changes, with full-back Leo Barre, centre Nicolas Depoortere and lock Emmanuel Meafou making their debuts.

The mass changes will likely mean there will still be a lack of cohesion to the French side, which could enable Wales to make it a close encounter, but ultimately I'm backing France to win by six to 10 points at 17/4 with bet365.