Weekend Talking Points: Wolves win, Rory roars and Valtteri’s victory

The equation for Wales was simple. Beat Ireland and they’d claim a first Grand Slam success in the Six Nations since 2012. Warren Gatland’s men didn’t disappoint, storming into a 16-0 half-time lead before eventually running out 25-7 winners at the Millennium Stadium.

That meant England’s Calcutta Cup clash with Scotland was null and void. But Eddie Jones will be concerned with the way his side collapsed after taking a 31-0 lead in 31 first-half minutes. The Scots rallied late on and briefly led before George Ford’s late try rescued a 38-38 draw.

It’s a result that will concern Jones and co, who are now 4/1 for the Rugby World Cup.

Bottas emerges as the Wizard of Oz

Valtteri Bottas played second-fiddle to Lewis Hamilton throughout the whole of last season. So it was sweet justice for the flying Finn to take the chequered flag ahead of the five-time world champion at Albert Park.

A Mercedes 1-2 is par for the course these days, although Ferrari will be concerned at finishing 57s and 58s off the pace having been expected to front run Down Under. Scuderia chiefs are keen to stress they’ll bounce back in Bahrain, with Sebastien Vettel 11/4 for the race win.

Rory roaring in the Players Championship

Only five golfers have completed the modern Grand Slam. McIlroy will fancy his chances of making it six at The Masters next month following a nail-biting one-shot victory at the Players Championship on Sunday.

The Northern Irishman edged out Jim Furyk courtesy of a two-under-par 70 to give him victory on 16 under at Sawgrass. It was McIlroy’s first tournament win in a year and sets him up perfectly for a tilt at Augusta National on April 11th.

The Coral traders have him at 8/1 alongside Dustin Johnson, ahead of Justin Rose and Tiger Woods at 12/1 apiece.

Big match previews, betting tips and transfer news – Coral has it all.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing