Online bookmakers are backing England to complete a rare grand slam in the six nations rugby tournament. Their odds have firmed in to 4/7 to complete the task, with bookmakers offering the same on England also completing the Triple Crown. If you think England can’t complete either, then you can get 6/4 with most bookies.

This weekend, England are away to Ireland, and while bookmakers have England as short as 8/13, I wouldn’t underestimate the Irish. They can often cause more than a few headaches on the field and, at 7/4, could be worth some thought. What is interesting is a simple mathematical situation. If you think Ireland can stop England from taking the grand slam, then backing them to win against England is slightly better value than backing England to fail in their slam attempt. That’s one of life’s betting oddities. In our opinion, it’s also moot – we’re tipping the English to continue their relentless march.

In other games, Scotland are 4/11 at home to a luckless Italy. The visitors are 9/2, but given their form, even that is poor value. In the last game, France are at home and 1/3 to defeat the plucky Welsh. If there is to be an upset, then it could come in this game. Wales are 31/10, and while they may be away from home, they are still capable of defeating the French.

This season’s six nations tournament has been very lop-sided. However, there’s still to be some great rugby played and it’s been entertaining to watch. As a betting spectacle, having such short-priced favourites is never great. But then, as one punter quipped, these short-priced favourites are winning so backing them is a little like buying money. You back them, then line up at the collect window before the first whistle’s blown. I wish every bet was like that!