England host Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday in a match that will have a massive bearing on who goes on to lift the Six Nations trophy next week.
Six Nations Round 4 Preview
England v Ireland
18h45
Twickenham Stadium
To Win (80 mins)
England 21/20, Draw 20/1, Ireland 8/10
Handicap
England (+1.5) 9/10, Ireland (-1.5) 9/10
England host Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday in a match that will have a massive bearing on who goes on to lift the Six Nations trophy next week.
A win for the hosts would set up a title-decider against France in the final round, while Ireland will be eager to get the job done here and hope either Wales or England upset France over the next fortnight. As things stand, the Emerald Isle are in second-place on the tournament standings, one place and log point (11) ahead of the Red Roses.
Ireland, the “most cohesive side in world rugby” according to Eddie Jones, are slight favourites, which is probably about right given the performances we’ve seen so far. Aside from the championship title itself, Andy Farrell’s men are still in the hunt for the Triple Crown, which will be an added incentive for them here.
Having led 17-0 at one stage, England would have been disappointed in the way they let Wales back into the game in the previous round. That said, they’re still getting to grips with the strategy Jones is trying to implement and the side have improved in every game they’ve played so far.
While Marcus Smith has been named Player of the Match twice in the competition already, Saturday will mark the biggest test of the 23-year-old’s career and one would think that Ireland’s grizzled pack will be chomping at the bit to shut down the Harlequins pivot’s attacking influence on proceedings.
Verdict: Ireland (-1.5) 9/10
This one is going to be decided by the slimmest of margins, but Ireland have been more settled in their game plan during their campaign which should be a factor come Saturday.
