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So – no joy from Italy and in the end, the Scots gave them a decent beating (26-6). Two bad teams, but Italy never really gave themselves a chance and were refereed harshly as well.

In a sense, the Scots showing a little form is probably good news for Ireland and the spread for the next round makes for interesting reading.

If Ireland are serious about winning the tournament, I suspect they may have it in the back of their mind to put on the points if given even a sniff of a chance to do so – though I’m sure that publicly they will toe the usual line about ensuring the win first.

They showed aggression against England by opting to kick for the corner and I believe they are to an extent at least prepared to entertain thinking ‘outside the box’.

Wales, with a whirlwind display in round one, showed what can be done against the Scots with a bit of intensity and Ireland’s ability to take the ball through the phases could see them score relatively freely.

Add in the fact that the current handicap (Ireland -3) is simply a must bet and this is a one that just has to be done in a big way.

By the by, I strongly suspect this price won’t last all that long but it would remain value at anything up to 7 or so, albeit possibly with a lower stake.

Recommended: 3 pts Ireland (-3) to beat Scotland at 10/11.