2024 Six Nations Round 5 Tips - Ireland set to defend Six Nations title

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 11 Mar 2024

Ralph Staniforth 11 Mar 2024

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Ireland are 4 points clear at the top of the Six Nations table
Round 5 of the Six Nations takes place on Saturday, 15 March 2024
England must win in Paris and hope Scotland beat Ireland

Ireland set to wrap up another title (getty images)

The final round (5) of the 2024 Six Nations takes place on Saturday, 16 March 2024. Ireland are in the pound seat going into the final weekend despite losing to England in round 4.

England are in second place on 12 points, four points off Ireland who host Scotland on in the final round. England make a trip to Paris where an indifferent France awaits.

In the other fixture, the early Saturday kick off, Wales host Italy in what could be a cracking game.

Wales vs Italy

Saturday at 14:15 GMT

Wales are bottom of the Six Nations with just three points and no wins from four games. They have lost two games (to England and Scotland) by one and two points, but were blown away by France at the Principality last weekend.

Italy on the other hand have been very impressive. They were within a score of beating England at home, they drew with France away and beat a good Scotland side at home last weekend.

Wales are favourites with a -8 handicap. This may be a game to cash-in on if you're willing to risk it on Italy, who have been superb this season. bet365 have Italy at even money to get within 8 points and a win for the visitors will pay 3.40.

bet365 also have a boost on Italy to reach 10 points first at 2.75. One must think the good money is on Italy which means those odds could drop as we near the weekend.

Ireland vs Scotland

Saturday at 16:45

Ireland have all but won the Six Nations and successfully defended their title. They are four points clear going into the final round of fixtures. While Scotland will pose a threat, in Dublin it will be a minor miracle for the Scots to pull off a win.

Had Scotland beaten Italy this past weekend they would still have been in with a shot of the title. That may have provided more motivation, but alas, they are five points adrift of the Irish with one game to play.

Ireland suffered a surprise defeat to England at Twickenham, but that shouldn't dampen their spirits too much. They have been given a 15-point handicap on home soil.

I'm not sure which way I lean on that handicap, my first thought it to back Ireland, but it may be one you want to wait till a bit later in the week.

bet365 have a boost on Scotland first to reach 10 points at 4.25 while they have also boosted Ireland to win by 1-5 points from 7.00 to 8.00.

France vs England

Saturday at 20:00

France came into the 2024 Six Nations as favourites but they have been nowhere near their best this year. It all started in the first round where they were well beaten by Ireland at home. A fortnight ago, they also drew at home against Italy.

On 11 points, France can still finish second, something they are likely to do if they win this weekend. But, England, who not many people would have fancied, produced a superb performance at home to beat Ireland last Saturday.

France, while not at their best, showed glimpses of their best form late on against Wales in a thumping win. This could be a cracking game, but the inconsistency of the sides makes it difficult to place a firm bet.

Currently, France have been given a -8 handicap with England paying even money to get inside of that. At first glance, I fancy the English.

On the bet boost, bet365 have got England at 2.75 to reach 10 points first while an England victory by a margin between 6-10 points will pay 9.50 opposed to 8.50.