Ashton 9-1 to be sacked by Sunday

Brian Ashton will need a good result when England conclude their RBS Six Nations campaign against Ireland at Twickenham on Saturday to keep his job according to bookmakers William Hill, who offer 9-1 that he will be out of work by Sunday night.

Hills offer 4-6 that Ashton is England coach at the start of the next Six Nations campaign and 11-10 that he is not. William Hill make Jake White 2-1 to be Ashton’s successor.

Jonny Wilkinson is odds-on to get on the pitch against Ireland at 1-4, with Hill’s offering 7-1 that he is England’s hero and comes on with England trailing for them to go on and win.

“Ashton has made a massive call dropping Jonny and we think it could be curtains if his gamble backfires and England lose,” Rupert Adams, Hill’s spokesman, said.

Wales will secure a second Six Nations title in four years if they can avoid defeat to France by more than 19 points at the Millennium Stadium.

William Hill: Six Nations match betting:
10-11 Italy, 10-11 Scotland, 18-1 draw
2-5 England, 7-4 Ireland, 18-1 draw
4-5 England (-6), 1-1 Ireland (+6), 14-1 draw
8-15 Wales, 6-4 France, 18-1 draw
10-11 Wales (-4), 10-11 France, 14-1 draw