6 Nations Third Round - What are the chances?

Third Round

The table currently looks like this:

We’re heading into the third round this weekend with Scotland taking on Italy. Italy have been given their best chance of a victory so far, albeit with a 20% chance against Scotland’s overwhelming chances of 85%. Scotland are playing well and have been unfortunate not to have fared better. Italy look like contenders for the wooden spoon and while this fixture is probably their best chance of a victory, it doesn’t look likely.
France have been given a 60% chance of beating the Welsh, who have a 45% chance of beating the French while the big match that is set to light up the Championship for sure is Ireland taking on England in Dublin.

Ireland and England are given exactly the same chance at over 50% each and will certainly be a massive encounter. The draw is not likely given a 5% chance so it looks like it’s going to be a ‘winner takes all’ battle. Interestingly, even though England are playing away, they are still given the same chance as Ireland at home.
England are still the team to beat and with the World Cup coming up later on this year, England will be throwing everything at Ireland and are definitely coming to Dublin to win.
Ireland have been conservative thus far and the backs haven’t really had a chance to shine. Does Joe have faith in our new centres? Is he getting ready to unleash their power and speed? Its doubtful against this England side who are going to be contenders for this year’s World Cup, regardless of what the Southern Hemisphere commentators might think.
Incidentally, England are given a 22% chance of winning the World Cup while New Zealand are given a 42% chance and Ireland an almost 10% chance.
It’s going to be a brilliant weekend of rugby with all the home teams as favourites to win. Come on Ireland!