Six Nations Clash: England and Scotland Battle for Calcutta Cup
This Saturday's Six Nations encounter between Scotland and England promises high stakes, with both teams vying for the historic Calcutta Cup. England, riding a formidable 12-match winning streak, are firm favourites against a Scottish side seeking redemption after a disappointing opening loss to Italy.
Recent Form and Historical Context
Scotland's campaign began with an 18-15 defeat to Italy, marking their first round-one loss since 2020. In contrast, England launched their Six Nations with a dominant 48-7 victory over Wales, featuring a hat-trick from wing Henry Arundell in his first start in over two years. This performance has bolstered England's prospects for a first Six Nations title in six years, though France remain odds-on favourites with betting sites.
The Calcutta Cup, first contested in 1879, adds extra significance to this fixture. England lead the head-to-head record 83-48 and are the current holders after a narrow 16-15 win last year. That victory ended a four-match winning run for Scotland dating back to 2021, intensifying the rivalry.
Betting Predictions and Tips
Given England's unbeaten run since last year's Six Nations and Scotland's recent struggles, betting apps have installed England as favourites, with some offering an eight-point handicap for Scotland. Key predictions include:
- England to win by 8-14 points at odds of 21/10 with William Hill. This aligns with recent trends, as every victory between these sides since 2018 has been by less than nine points.
- Tommy Freeman as anytime tryscorer at odds of 13/10 with BoyleSports. Freeman scored in every Six Nations match last season and opened his account last weekend, making him a strong contender.
Team Line-ups and Key Players
Scotland will field a side led by captain Zander Fagerson, featuring players like Finn Russell and Duhan van der Merwe. England's lineup includes stars such as Ellis Genge, Maro Itoje, and Henry Arundell, with Tommy Freeman expected to play a pivotal role. England's last win at Murrayfield was in February 2020, a 13-6 victory where Genge scored the only try.
Responsible Gambling and Offers
BetVictor is offering new customers £40 in free bets for the Six Nations, with terms including a £10 deposit and wager. However, it's crucial to gamble responsibly. Always bet within your means, use tools like deposit limits, and seek help from organisations like GambleAware or the NHS if needed. Odds and offers are subject to change, so check terms before betting.
This match kicks off at 4:40pm on ITV1, with both teams eager to secure Six Nations points and bragging rights in one of rugby's oldest rivalries.
