Six Nations: England favourites to defend

Red Rose are expected to get off to a flyer

2017 Six Nations gets underway on Saturday afternoon, with Scotland vs Ireland at Murrayfield bringing the curtain up on what promises to be one of the most-competitive renewals in recent years.

England cleared up last year, winning the tournament outright, their 27^th title, and Eddie Jones’ side added Grand Slam, Triple Crown and Calcutta Cup titles to their haul. They will face an uphill struggle to match that effort this time out, and injury to some of their star names has made things more difficult.

Injury-hit England to battle through

Winger Anthony Watson is a doubt for week one and that has added to an injury list containing Chris Robshaw. Despite those worries, Coral traders have England priced up as odds-on favourites to win the crown at 4/5. Another Grand Slam for the Red Rose is 2/1, which is sure to catch the eye of those siding with the defending champions, while a Triple Crown can be snapped up at 6/4 when getting your bet on with us.

England face France on Saturday afternoon, 4.50pm kick-off, and although drama is guaranteed when these sides go head-to-head, a home win is no better than 1/7. Playing the handicap market is sure to bring plenty more joy and, if England are so well-thought of here, then they should surely cover a 13-point deficit at 10/11.

Ireland face a tricky opener in Edinburgh

Second favourites for the Six Nations title, leading the chasing pack at 9/4, Ireland make the journey to Edinburgh to get the ball rolling. Anything other than a convincing win would see England’s already wafer-thin outright price reduced further.