How to Bet on the Six Nations
Betting on the Six Nations runs from one long outright bet to a full card of markets on every round. Here is how each works, with the South African angle in mind.
The main markets
- Outright winner — one nation to top the table; see the Six Nations odds page.
- Match result — the winner of a single game, with a draw priced in.
- Handicap — a points start or deficit to level mismatches; see handicap betting.
- Total points — over or under a line on the combined score; see over/under.
- First try scorer and top try scorer — player markets, the latter running all five rounds.
- Specials — the Grand Slam, Triple Crown and wooden spoon, plus trophies like the Calcutta Cup.
Bonus points and what they mean
The Six Nations uses bonus points: a team scoring four or more tries earns an attacking bonus, and a side losing by seven points or fewer takes a losing bonus, with a three-point bonus for any team completing a Grand Slam. Those points decide tight title races and the wooden spoon, so they matter for both outright and match betting — a heavy favourite chasing a try bonus changes the total points picture. See the fixtures and table page for how the log works.
A sensible approach
When a heavyweight meets Italy the handicap and total points markets often offer more value than a short-odds match result. An accumulator across a round's favourites is popular but risky — one Calcutta Cup shock and it is gone. See the Six Nations guide for the full picture and the Six Nations predictions page for our take.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest Six Nations bet to start with?
The match result — simply backing the winner of a single round. From there, the handicap and total points add value, especially when a top side faces Italy.
Can I bet during a Six Nations match?
Yes. Live, in-play betting runs through each game at shifting odds, so you can back a comeback or a tightening margin as it happens.