Six Nations 2021 Betting Preview

The 2021 Six Nations kicks off this weekend as the usual six contenders get set for what should be another exciting tournament. England were the winners in last year’s competition, narrowly beating France to lift their 39th Six Nations title. The French were denied their first Six Nations win since 2010 in last year’s competition, despite beating England in the opening match of the tournament. The standout players of the 2020 Six Nations were also French. Romain Ntamack was the top points scorer, Charles Ollivon was the top try scorer and Antoine Dupont won player of the tournament. France and England head into this year’s competition as favourites. However, do not rule out the likes of Ireland, Wales and Scotland, who will also be vying for an outsider’s chance of taking the Six Nations title in 2021. 

Form

England enter the 2021 Six Nations on the back of four consecutive wins in last year’s tournament. Despite losing 24-17 to France in their first Six Nations match last February, Eddie Jones’ team recovered and won all of their remaining matches to lift the Six Nations in 2020. France, however, looked strong in last year’s contest. Only a shock 28-17 loss to Scotland prevented them from lifting their first Six Nations in 10 years. Outsiders Ireland and Scotland won three games each last year. Scotland face England in their opening game in 2021 and will be well aware that a win could put them in a promising position to begin this year’s tournament. 

Team Odds to Win/Grand Slam Odds

England and France dominate the bookmakers as favourites for the 2021 Six Nations title. SBK are offering the best odds for these two countries to win the tournament outright. SBK places England as out-and-out favourites at 23/18, while the bookmaker is providing odds of 13/5 for France. Last year, England were unable to take the Grand Slam title in the Six Nations, due to their loss against France. However, Eddie Jones’ team are ranked at 13/5 to win all five matches this year, while Sporting Index has given France odds of 13/2 to take the Grand Slam. But, if you think there will be no Grand Slam winner at the 2021 Six Nations, then Bet365 are offering 1/1 for a no Grand Slam year.  

If you like the look of Ireland to challenge for the Six Nations title, check out Unibet’s offer of 4/1. Wales and Scotland, however, have longer odds, with SBK giving Wales a 19/1 chance of winning outright and Betway backing Scotland with a 22/1 chance. 

Key Players/Odds – Top points and try scorer odds

In 2020, England dominated the points difference in the Six Nations, finishing the tournament with +44 points. As a result, England’s winger Jonny May is favourite to finish as the top try scorer in 2021, with Unibet offering odds of 9/2 for the Gloucester player. However, the odds may be slightly flattering as May has only made one try in his last nine appearances at club level. Therefore, a more value-driven bet could be on France’s winger Teddy Thomas. Thomas is 10/1 with Unibet to be the tournament’s top try-scorer and he has made 13 tries in 22 starts for Les Blues. Last year’s top try-scorer, French flanker Charles Ollivon, is a rank outsider at 50/1 with Sky Bet and William Hill. But, if his four tries in 2020 were anything to go by, Ollivon could be the man to back for the 2021 top try scorer award. 

In terms of top point scorers, a French or English player will likely take this title in 2021. Over the past six years, the greatest number of individual points at the Six Nations have been scored by a player from France or England. The odds for this year’s contest reflect this, with English back, Owen Farrell 5/4 with Sporting Index to score the most points, while Sky bet has placed France’s fly-half, Matthieu Jalibert, at 6/1. But, for those looking for greater value, Ireland’s Jonny Sexton is always a danger, while Wales’ Dan Biggar is one of the best kickers in the game. SpreadEx are offering 7/1 for Sexton to score the most points in 2021’s Six Nations, while the same bookmaker has Biggar at 10/1.

The Six Nations is one of the most exciting sporting events of the year so be sure to check out all the action from the 2021 tournament. Our free Six Nations 2021 Betting Preview and tips are designed to offer advice on upcoming sporting events and to provide betting value, not to promote guaranteed wins or pay-outs. To find out more, check out our homepage for more free bets that are currently on offer from bookmakers. We have reviewed all the best UK online bookies so you can see if what betting sites, and bookies offers, are the right ones for you. If you decide to place a bet on the Six Nations, ensure you always gamble responsibly and enjoy the action taking place.