Six Nations Game Week Four rugby tips and predictions – Copybet

Ireland followed a nightmare start against France with a narrow win over Italy as Andy Farrell selected a mix of his old guard and form players, before they rewarded his faith with a 21-point win over England.

Farrell has again mixed up his selection, making five changes, and any possible lack of cohesion could prove a leveller.

The Welsh were awful on the opening weekend against England, improved against France, yet still lost by 42 points, before being unlucky against Scotland when they ran out of steam in the final quarter, while also being on the wrong side of some refereeing calls.

They haven't won in Dublin in the Six Nations since 2012 and are unlikely to do so on Friday, with their current losing streak in the Six Nations expected to be extended to 15 games.

Steve Tandy has made three changes but after another fortnight together, Wales look to be finding some combinations and they could match Ireland's forward power in the first hour.

Ireland's 1/100 price feels a bit harsh on Wales and it could be worth pushing for a decent handicap price on the visitors, with them good enough to get within 25 points.

France's hopes of winning the Grand Slam arguably hinge on beating Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday.

The Scots lost their opening match to Italy but roared back at home to outclass England.

A scrappy win over Wales followed but they have had a fortnight to prepare for this game and have number eight Jack Dempsey back sooner than expected from injury.

Unbeaten Les Bleus will bring all their power and poise to Edinburgh, with the blueprint being to have the forwards win the battle up front and set the platform for captain Antoine Dupont and his fellow brilliant backs to run riot in space.

However, there will be trepidation within Fabien Galthie's squad. Win here, and they know the stage will be set to beat England under the lights in Saint-Denis on the final evening of action and win the Grand Slam.

France should get the job done, but Scotland are usually excellent at home and may go close.

England have never lost to Italy in rugby union, but the Azzurri have a real chance to break their duck on Saturday in Rome.

Patient progress under Kieran Crowley has been accelerated into regular results since Gonzalo Quesada took over in 2024, with the Italians beating Australia in the autumn and winning their opening game of this tournament against Scotland.

They couldn't close the deal in Ireland and were blown away in the first and final quarters against France, but this is a team made up of quality operators and all the pressure is on the English.

An easy opening win over Wales potentially papered over the cracks in England's approach and defeats to Scotland and Ireland have prompted Steve Borthwick to make changes, most notably including Fin Smith at fly-half.

Smith can energise the attack but his forwards need to front up and Italy's pack could pose real problems.

It is tough to go all in on the Italians but they could at least provide England with a real scare.