Each day our exclusive MATCH OF THE DAQ service previews the big match of the day – usually a televised game.
As well as the preview we also bring you the head to head records of the two teams as well as a recommended bet on BETDAQ for the match.
Ireland v England
Six Nations
K.O 15.00, BBC 1
HEAD TO HEAD
(Max 10 only)
7 March 2012 Six Nations, England 30 – 9 Ireland
27 August 2011 Friendly, Ireland 9 – 20 England
19 March 2011 Six Nations, Ireland 24 – 8 England
27 February 2010 Six Nations, England 16 – 20 Ireland
28 February 2009 Six Nations, Ireland 14 – 13 England
15 March 2008 Six Nations, England 33 – 10 Ireland
24 February 2007 Six Nations, Ireland 43 – 13 England
18 March 2006 Six Nations, England 24 – 28 Ireland
27 February 2005 Six Nations, Ireland 19 – 13 England
6 March 2004, Six Nations, England 13 – 19 Ireland
PREVIEW
One of rugby union’s greatest rivalries continues today at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, with Ireland taking on England in what is already being talked of as the potential Six Nations decider.
With both teams enjoying opening wins in the annual tournament last weekend, coupled with Italy’s shock defeat of France, whoever wins this afternoon’s crunch clash will be in pole position to land the Six Nations title and the Grand Slam.
Ireland were mightily impressive in Cardiff last Saturday for the first half in which they burst to a 20-3 lead over a Welsh side that had lost their last seven matches. However, the hosts came out fighting after the break and only splendid defensive work from the Irish backline stopped the Red Dragons from turning the game around.
It finished 30-22 to the Emerald Isle in the end and later at Twickenham the Red Rose were racing to a 38-18 victory over Scotland. Billy Twelvetrees was particularly impressive on his debut, grabbing a try, and Stuart Lancaster has said the Gloucester player will be retained today.
That is despite the strength of Ireland’s scrum, led by the seemingly immortal Brian O’Driscoll, who scooped yet another man-of-the-match award last Saturday.
The Leinster man will have to be at top for to stop a progressive England side tomorrow, though, and the way Ireland faded against Wales will be of concern to Declan Kidney as his team try to avoid a third straight defeat to their great rivals.
The market on BETDAQ is finding it hard to split the sides with the hosts at 2.13 and England as marginal favourites at 1.98.
That looks just about right and bettors are advised to back England in what promises to be an exciting encounter.
RECOMMENDATION: (1-10 points)
Back England at around 1.98 on BETDAQ: 5 points
Saturday: -4.00 points
FEBRUARY RETURN TO DATE: -21.90 points
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