We are closing in on the start of the much-anticipated Six Nations campaign and Saturday throws up a monumental clash, as Scotland get set to take on the Auld Enemy England at Murrayfield (Scotland 11/8, draw 20/1 England 4/7).

With less than a week to go, anticipation is building ahead of the 2012 Six Nations campaign which looks set to be another thriller in what could well be the most open tournament for a number of years.

The countdown is on for the 2012 Six Nations as the home nations and France draw a line under last year’s World Cup in New Zealand and look to rule the northern hemisphere for the next 12 months, with Les Bleus the current 6/4 outright favourites.

Ten years after their last major international football tournament was overshadowed by the Roy Keane-Mick McCarthy spat, the Republic of Ireland will be back on the big stage at Euro 2012.

England have not played a rugby league Test at the national stadium since 1997 and now head-coach Steve McNamara and his men have their biggest challenge, when they take on Four Nations favourites Australia at Wembley on Saturday (9/2, draw 25/1, Australia 1/7 in the match betting).

Ahead of their Four Nations campaign England (7/1 Four Nations outright) have been less than convincing but head-coach Steve McNamara and his players do have the ability to cause teams problems.

The rugby union focus is rightly on Sunday’s showdown between New Zealand and France in the World Cup final, but before that there is the small matter of the third-place play-off clash as Wales and Australia go head-to-head in Auckland (Wales 11/10, draw 20/1, Australia 8/11 – 80 Minute Betting).

The expectations of a nation are one step closer to being fulfilled, as New Zealand (1/10 World Cup outright) saw off the challenge of their neighbours Australia to book their place in the final of the World Cup.

France made the final of the 2011 Rugby World Cup in controversial circumstances at the expense of Wales on Saturday, but will it be 1/2 outright favourites New Zealand or 7/2 shots Australia who joins them in the Eden Park showpiece on October 23?

Wales are bracing themselves for the biggest game in their rugby history on Saturday, with France standing between them and their first-ever World Cup final. It promises to be a close contest between the familiar Six Nations foes but can Warren Gatland’s side do it?