Ireland odds on to retain Grand Slam
Irish rugby fans have been quick to back Ireland to retain their Grand Slam title ahead of this weekend’s opening Six Nations game, according to bookmaker Paddy Power.
Ireland are 9/4 to defend their Six Nations title and 5/1 for another Grand Slam.
Paddy Power has taken four times as many bets on Ireland in their Grand Slam betting than any other country and more bets on Ireland than all the other five nations combined.
France remain the 4/1 favourites to be crowned Grand Slam winners and just 6/4 to win the Six Nations but so far it has been one way traffic for O’Driscoll and the lads.
Ireland look a safe bet at 1/50 to see off Italy this weekend with Paddy Power quoting Declan Kidney’s men at 10/11 to win on the handicap at -21 points, and while there’s been plenty of betting on this weekend’s game, punters have set their sights on the big one, opting instead to throw most of their weight behind Ireland repeating the Grand Slam.
Sharon McHugh, spokesperson for Paddy Power said: "So far it’s been one-way traffic for Ireland. Our punters just can’t see past the boys in green at the moment and on the back of what was one of Ireland’s finest years why should they?"
