The Six Nations is a fantastically competitive contest between England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France and Italy. There are five rounds of matches and plenty of factors to take into account when placing a bet.

Unlike football’s 3-way market of “home win – draw – away win”, bookmakers tend to price up rugby matches differently, especially as teams can score a great deal more heavily in rugby. Unless the two teams playing each other are perceived by bookmakers as being particularly evenly-matched, you’re more likely to find firms giving the ‘weaker’ team an imaginary handicap.

For example, if 2007 champions France are hosting Italy, a bookmaker might make France (-45.5) a 10/11 shot, with Italy (+45.5) an Even money chance. Therefore, the punter can choose whether to back France to win by more than 45 points at 10/11 or Italy to keep the deficit down to 45 points or less at Evens. An Italian victory or draw would also secure Italy backers on the handicap a return.

Home advantage can play a huge part in the Six Nations, as Wales’ victory over England in the final match of 2007 can testify. Ireland’s fearsome 43-13 triumph over England also demonstrated what effect a passionate home crowd can have on the players of both teams.