Mad Dog Sniffs Scottish Victory

The stars are lining up to take on the Celebrity Punt and this week we have another member of England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning squad – Lewis 'Mad Dog' Moody.

With Lewis likely to be in the side for England’s opener against Wales, he obviously can’t look at that one, so instead gives us a prediction on Scotland versus France at Murrayfield on Sunday 7th February. He’s tipping an unlikely victory for the home side:

“Although France are always contenders for the Six Nations title, they come up against a rejuvenated Scotland who are always formidable at Murrayfield, but will be even more of a handful on the back of their historic win against Australia in the autumn.”

Charity

This month’s charity is HOPE HIV a great charity supported by Lewis that helps support children and young people in sub-Saharan Africa affected by HIV/AIDS.  The charity beieves these children with the right support have the potential to make Africa’s future one of hope, rather than despair. For more information go to

www.hopehiv.org

Mr Betdaq
Like Liam Tancock last time out, whose beloved Exeter couldn’t beat Norwich – the Canaries won 3-1, returning a win for those that followed our advice to back over 2.5 goals – Lewis has gone for an outsider in his Celebrity Punt.

He is convinced that Scotland’s first victory over Australia in nearly 30 years can be a springboard for another prized scalp and is well-placed to judge, having first-hand experience of life under Scots head coach Andy Robinson during his England regime.

Mad Dog would have been impressed with their rearguard action against the Aussies – something he certainly knows all about – and this looks like being the key again as they aren’t exactly prolific scorers.

They will have their hands more than full with a number of potential Les Blues match winners, notably No 8 Imanol Harinordoquy, and the score threat coming from the likes Julien Malzieu, Cedric Heymans and Vincent Clerc.

The rugger boys have had mixed fortunes on the Punt so far with Paul Sackey and Phil Vickery drawing a blank, although Martin Offiah came up trumps right at the start.

Scotland are one of the weaker sides and will be doing well to finish above anyone other than the Italians. They can, though, raise their game and are capable of causing a surprise, but let’s not kid anyone; this would be a big one.

There is some value in backing the Scots in front of their home fans on this occasion, but remember France aren’t the Six Nations favourites for nothing and the visitors are likely to make the return journey across the Channel with two points in the bag.

Latest odds on Betdaq:
Scotland v France
France:        1/3
Scotland:     9/4
Draw:        22/1

Six Nations Outright
France:        13/8
Ireland:     11/4
Wales:        9/2
England:     5/1
Scotland:     20/1
Italy:        200/1