Ireland take on Wales in their opening Six Nations match on Sunday looking to atone for their quarter-final defeat at the World Cup. The Welsh were roundly praised for their displays in New Zealand but it will be a very different side that takes the field at the Aviva Stadium. Can they make it back-to-back wins over the Irish? (Ireland 4/9, Wales 7/4, draw 20/1 – Match Prices).

The World Cup of Darts sees 24 countries competing in Hamburg and the English duo of Phil Taylor and Adrian Lewis will start the tournament as favourites (England 4/7 Tournament Outright).

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.

Wales take on Australia at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday in what will be legendary winger Shane Williams‘ final match in the famous red shirt. Can the Welsh give him the perfect send-off or will it be the Wallabies who come away smiling on Saturday evening? (Wales 6/4, Australia 8/15, draw 18/1 – Match Prices).

Wales star James Hook has not had to wait long for a return to his homeland as he and his Perpignan team-mates get set to take on Newport Gwent Dragons in the Amlin Challenge Cup on Thursday (Dragons 17/10, draw 16/1, Perpignan 4/9).

Wales face a mammoth challenge on Sunday as they prepare to take on Australia in what will be the last game for veteran Lee Briers on the international stage (Wales 50/1, draw 66/1, Australia 1/250).

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).

England and Wales start their Four Nations campaign at Leigh on Saturday (Match Betting – England 1/100, draw 50/1, Wales 20/1), with Steve McNamara’s men going into the match as big favourites. Although the home team should win comfortably, the coach will be well aware how important a big score could be to set them up.

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.