THERE is plenty at stake for both sides as Scotland entertain Ireland in the Six Nations.
Scotland have suffered defeats to France and Wales in their first two outings while Ireland were beaten at home to the French last week.
Irish skipper Brian O'Driscoll is also out to avenge a Croke Park farewell loss to the Scots that started a tough year for his men.
Scotland look in worse shape than their visitors after a shocking display at Murrayfield last week and it will be tough for Andy Robinson to raise his side's game to such an extent they can compete with the Irish.
Ireland have a great record in Edinburgh, where they have won six of their last seven visits, and unless Scotland show a remarkable improvement it will be seven from eight.
Bookies side with the Irish and they are a biggest 1-2 with the likes of 888sport and Chandler. Scotland are 2-1 at Ladbrokes with the draw 22-1 with the same firm.
On the handicaps the Scots are 10-11 with William Hill and Ladbrokes getting five points. The Irish are 10-11 minus five and I don't think they'll be far away.
Scotland started poorly against France and Wales and could be punished by the Irish if they do so again. That makes O'Driscoll's boys a decent shout at 8-11 with Stan James to be leading at half-time.
Meanwhile, England are 1-16 at Ladbrokes for the Six Nations after beating France at Twickenham.
They are 8-11 for the Grand Slam with France out to 7-1 for the tournament and Ireland 33-1.
Bookies breathed a huge sigh of relief after Chris Ashton's try (duly celebrated with the swallow dive) was disallowed. Italy are 2-9 for the Wooden Spoon with Scotland 3-1 and the Irish 66-1.
Recommendation
Ireland to be leading half-time
(8-11, Stan James)
Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
