The 2025 Six Nations Championship kicks off on Friday, 31st January, but all eyes will be on the highly anticipated clash between England and Ireland the following day. This match could set the tone for the entire tournament, with fans eager to see if England can build on their recent performances. Their last official game was a dominant 59-14 victory over Japan in November 2024, but this will be a much sterner test.
Ireland, the reigning Six Nations champions after their 2024 triumph, are aiming for a historic third consecutive title. Currently ranked #2 in the world, just behind South Africa, they are in formidable form. England, meanwhile, sit at #7 in the rankings and will need to bring their A-game to challenge the Irish.
One of the most intriguing storylines is Ireland’s quest for revenge. In 2024, England dashed their hopes of back-to-back Grand Slams with a dramatic 23-22 victory, sealed by a last-minute drop goal from Marcus Smith. This time, Ireland will be determined to settle the score, adding extra spice to an already thrilling encounter.
On this page, we’ll break down the key details of the match, including head-to-head records, predicted lineups, and our expert betting tips. Plus, you’ll find a wide range of rugby odds for this game and every other fixture in the 2025 Six Nations Championship.
Head-to-Head Record: England vs Ireland
The rivalry between England and Ireland has seen both teams enjoy periods of dominance. Below is a summary of their last ten meetings:
| Date | Winning Team | Score | Event |
| 9th March 2024 | England | 23 – 22 | Six Nations |
| 19th August 2023 | Ireland | 29 – 10 | International Friendly |
| 18th March 2023 | Ireland | 29 – 16 | Six Nations |
| 12th March 2022 | Ireland | 15 – 32 | Six Nations |
| 20th March 2021 | Ireland | 32 – 18 | Six Nations |
| 21st November 2020 | England | 18 – 7 | Autumn Nations Cup |
| 23rd February 2020 | England | 24 – 12 | Six Nations |
| 24th August 2019 | England | 57 – 15 | International Friendly |
| 2nd February 2019 | England | 20 – 32 | Six Nations |
| 18th March 2018 | Ireland | 15 – 24 | Six Nations |
Predicted Lineups
Both teams are expected to field strong sides, with a few key decisions to watch. For Ireland, the big question is whether Dan Sheehan will start after returning from injury. Sheehan made a stunning comeback for Leinster, scoring two tries and earning Player of the Match honours. However, Andy Farrell may opt to use him as an impact substitute.
England Predicted XV:
Ollie Lawrence, Freddie Steward, Tommy Freeman, Cadan Murley, Henry Slade, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Alex Mitchell, Ellis Genge, Will Stuart, Marcus Smith, Maro Itoje (Captain), George Martin, Ben Curry, Tommy Curry, Ben Earl.
Sub: Theo Dan, Fin Baxter, Joe Heyes, Ollie Chessum, Chandler Cunningham-South, Tom Willis, Harry Randall, Fin Smith.
Ireland Predicted XV:
Hugo Keenan, Mack Hansen, Garry Ringrose, Bundee Aki, James Lowe; Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Ronan Kelleher, Tadhg Furlong; Joe McCarthy, James Ryan, Tadhg Beirne, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris.
Sub: Dan Sheehan, Cian Healy, Finlay Bealham, Ryan Baird, Jack Conan, Conor Murray, Jack Crowley, Robbie Henshaw.
Betting Tips: Ireland vs England
- Ireland to Win -6.5
- Over 44.5 Total Points
Ireland enter this match as clear favourites, with the Six Nations odds placing them at -6.0. However, England’s unpredictability under Steve Borthwick adds an element of intrigue. Borthwick’s decision to strip Jamie George of the captaincy and hand it to Maro Itoje could prove pivotal. Itoje’s leadership and performance will be crucial for England’s chances.
On the other hand, Ireland’s recent form is hard to ignore. They’ve won four of their last five international matches, including a victory over world #1 South Africa. Playing at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin also gives them a significant home advantage.
We expect Ireland to come out firing, driven by their desire for revenge and a shot at another Grand Slam. Our betting tips suggest Ireland will win by at least 7 points, with the total score exceeding 44.5.
How to Bet on Ireland vs England
If you’re looking to place a bet on this thrilling Six Nations clash, here’s how to get started:
- Sign in to your BetVictor account (or create one if you’re new).
- Navigate to the sports betting page and select ‘Rugby Union’.
- Choose ‘Six Nations’ from the list of competitions.
- Click on ‘Ireland vs England’ to view the available markets.
- Add your selections to the bet slip and enter your stake.
- Confirm your bet and enjoy the game!
BetVictor offers a wide range of markets for every Six Nations match, along with exclusive bonuses and promotions. Be sure to check out our offers page for the latest deals!
FAQs
When is the Ireland vs England match?
The game is scheduled for Saturday, 1st February 2025, at 16:45 BST.
Who are the favourites to win?
Ireland are the clear favourites, with a point spread of -6.0 in their favour.
What are your betting tips?
We recommend backing Ireland to win by at least 7 points (-6.5) and predicting over 44.5 total points in the match.
Where can I bet on the Six Nations?
BetVictor is your go-to destination for Six Nations betting, offering a comprehensive range of markets and competitive odds.
