Scotland vs Ireland: Six Nations Betting Tips
Scotland and Ireland will both be looking to build on winning starts to the 2025 Six Nations when they go head-to-head at Murrayfield on Sunday.
The Scots have a poor record when it comes to games against their Celtic cousins but Gregor Townsend’s side look capable of giving the Irish a run for their money in Edinburgh this weekend.
Tip 1 - Scotland +5.5 handicap @ 17/20
Scotland were far from their best in their opening game against Italy but they still scored five tries in a 31-19 victory over the Azzurri.
Finn Russell had an off-day against Italy but he still helped the Scots to victory on a day when Huw Jones was the star of the show with a hat-trick for the hosts.
Russell will need to be much closer to his best if the Scots are to push this formidable Ireland side all the way on Saturday.
Ireland looked slightly shaky in the opening exchanges against England at the Aviva Stadium last weekend, but in the end their quality shone through in a 27-22 victory.
Interim head coach Simon Easterby got a taste of life in the hot seat in Andy Farrell’s absence and his side passed their first test against the English.
Next it’s on to Murrayfield to face a dangerous Scotland side who Ireland beat 17-13 in their last Six Nations meeting in Dublin last season.
Given that Scotland are at home and with a backline brimming with talent, Scotland look to be good value with a +5.5 handicap.
Tip 2 - Half-Time result - Scotland @ 29/20
Scotland have been improving on starting Test matches better and the hosts look good value to be the ones leading at half-time.
In each of the last two Six Nations meetings between these sides, Ireland have led by a single point at the break.
Scotland were 14-0 up after 10 minutes against Italy last weekend, showcasing their attacking intent from the outset.
Of course, Ireland will pose a far tougher test than the Azzurri, but Scotland’s determination to hit the ground running on Sunday and not let the visitors settle into their rhythm will be a priority.
With wingers Duhan van der Merwe and Darcy Graham looking for work off the wings, Tom Jordan and Huw Jones combining in the centres and Blair Kinghorn entering the line from full-back, this Scotland backline can score quickfire tries.
Russell and half-back partner Ben White will need to make sure the Scots are playing in the right areas of the field and not forcing things, which could allow Ireland cheap turnover penalties.
If the game management is good early on from Russell and White, then Scotland are well priced to be leading at the break.
Whether that would be enough to see the Scots hold on for a famous win remains to be seen.
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Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation