Close title fight predicted following 6 Nations opening weekend drama

The Predictor, which has been developed by actuaries at QBE Business Insurance and uses a complex mathematical formula, normally used to predict the likelihood of earthquakes and floods, gives England a 40% chance of leading the table with Ireland a close second with 38%.   Unpredictability appears to be the name of the game this year so it would be unwise to rule out Wales, whose chances for taking home the title have increased significantly following their impressive win over Scotland (the likelihood of a Wales tournament win has risen from 12% to 20%).

MATTHEW CRANE, Executive Director Market Management, QBE Business Insurance, said:

“The opening weekend games really proved that despite what looks likely, anything can and really does happen.  High drama is not confined to the rugby pitch and day in day out businesses have to be ready for any outcome.  Preparation is key and I for one can’t wait to see what each team delivers this weekend”.

PREDICTIONS FOR THE TOURNAMENT (post opening weekend games)

PREDICTIONS FOR THIS WEEKEND’S GAMES

Ireland            41        12        Italy

England          29        18        Wales

Scotland         24        17        France

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Alex Midgley

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Sandra Villanueva, Corporate Communications

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Email: Sandra.villanueva@uk.qbe.com

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Notes to editors:

• QBE Business Insurance is a Principal Partner of the British & Irish Lions
• QBE Insurance Group is Standard & Poor’s ‘A+’ rated and is one of the world's leading international insurers and reinsurers, headquartered in Sydney, Australia. We operate in 37 countries with a presence in all key insurance markets, and are lead underwriters within our chosen markets, setting rates and conditions
• In Europe, QBE offers an extensive range of business insurance products from the standard suite of property, liability and motor to the specialist financial lines, marine, energy and political risk. QBE works in partnership with insurance intermediaries to deliver tailored cover to businesses from sole traders, via its online trading platform, to SMEs, large corporates and global multinationals.