Six Nations rugby gambling is back

This weekend saw the opening matches of the 2012 Six Nations rugby tournament, a favourite sports gambling event for many in Ireland. Unfortunately, the results of these first three games did not go according to plan, particularly for Ireland and Scotland who both lost at home. The history of this tournament, particularly amongst the original five nations, shows that away wins are not achieved very often so two away wins out of three games must be considered unusual. Ireland will be particularly disappointed with the last minute penalty which gave Wales a last gasp victory, and prevented Ireland from avenging defeat in the World Cup. Fans of gambling on rugby would quite rightly have seen the success of the Irish provinces in the Heineken Cup as a pointer to a Triple Crown at the very least this season, so what now for Ireland and indeed for the tournament as a whole. France must now be favourites for the championship, but first they do have to play Ireland next weekend in Paris. Can Ireland come back and beat France? The bookmakers clearly don’t think so, with France 1/5 with Paddy Power and Ireland 7/2. The Six Nations however is a rugby tournament which can often throw up surprising results, particularly when France are involved, so rugby gambling fans may well see this game as a good gambling opportunity. Sunday’s result has also significantly changed the odds of Ireland winning the championship, with Paddy Power now offering 8/1 on Ireland, but we all know that one loss does not mean that Ireland are out of it, and a win in Paris would severely reduce those odds. For Irish rugby gambling fans who still believe they can win this year, now may well be the time to place their bets. Wales of course are also in with a shout after the weekend, and with three home matches this year still to come, odds of 7/4 with Paddy Power may  well be attractive. Fans of gambling on rugby will know there is still all to play for.