Six Nations: Everyone has a point to prove

The RBS 6 Nations enters Week 2 with all still to play for

One week into the Six Nations and already teams are feeling the pressure. England should thump a poor Italy side but it is less clear what will happen north of the border and across the Irish Sea.

Ireland staggered past Italy and France did the same against Scotland, so both teams will want to show that they can light up a rugby pitch.

The Scots meanwhile will want to prove that they can actually win the big games and it’s not just another false dawn up there, while Wales need to put in a good performance after their mauling at the hands of England.

England welcome Italy this weekend and a large win is almost definitely on the cards, they are 1/100 to win, so a better bet might be an alternative -34.5 handicap at 7/5.

They keep with the same team that routed Wales and last week’s try scorer Jonathan Joseph is 4/5 to grab another try anytime. James Haskell and Luther Burrell also impressed in the Millennium Stadium, they are 22/1 and 11/1 to score the first try respectively.

The Italians remain largely unchanged for their visit to London and are 25/1 to cause an upset and grab a much-needed win. Big wing Giovanbattista Venditti will look to take advantage of England’s lack of bulk out wide and is a very tempting 7/1 to score anytime.

My best bet? Both teams have impressive strength in their packs and a forward to score the first try is 37/20.

Ireland meanwhile host France and on recent form it should be a large home victory, but you never know which French team will turn up.

Ireland are 2/5 for the win but France are a much more tempting 11/5. France stuttered last week and found themselves in trouble out wide with Teddy Thomas’ defensive frailty; his opposite man Tommy Bowe is 2/1 to score anytime and an even better 9/1 to grab the last try.

France have the ability to cause some damage though and Mathieu Bastareaud, who had an imposing game against Scotland, is 11/2 to score anytime while livewire Thomas is 11/1 to be the first guy to dance over the try-line.

My best bet? France to throw their game plan out the window, play exciting rugby like everyone knows they can, and grab a victory by 11-15 points at 12/1.

Wales will want to avenge that gut-wrenching loss to England and are currently 123/200 to beat Scotland, a team who they destroyed 51-3 last year.

The Scots are 6/4 for the win which reflects their performance against France last week, while a draw could entice a few at 18/1.

Stuart Hogg received a red card in this fixture last year and a red card this time around will get you 10/1, but the fullback scared the French last week and a Scottish try as the first scoring play is 6/1.

My best bet? Wales to win the first-half but Scotland to finish the game on a high and win overall at 9/1.