England vs France
England will face their sternest test since the first round when they take on the powerful French team at Twickenham. The home side have bounced back from their opening round loss to Scotland by beating Italy and Wales. The French side also bounced back with a victory in their last match when they beat the Scottish. Both teams have everything to play for while the loser will be out of the running for the title. The big news from the English camp is that Captain Owen Farrell has been dropped with Marcus Smith taking over the ten jersey.
TIP: The French team received a massive boost when powerhouse inside centre Jonathan Danty was finally passed fit to play after a long injury layoff. The England pack performed well in their last match against Wales but the true test awaits them as the French players are all huge and powerful. England will need to at least gain parity in the scrums and lineouts if they are to win. The bookies have France as favourites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.77, Gbets 1.75 and Hollywoodbets 1.75
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
England vs France
- The last five matches between the teams has seen two wins apiece with one draw.
- The home team are unbeaten in the last seven matches between the teams.
Latest results for both teams
England beat Wales 20-10 in their last match while France beat Scotland 32-21 in their last match.
PREDICTION
The French team came into the tournament as defending champions and was highly favoured to claim back to back titles but they have not found the form of last season. They have not been convincing in their victories and were easily beaten by the Irish team. England are going through a rebuilding phase under new manager Steve Borthwick and the axing of Farrell is the biggest statement to date. The French will look to their inspirational leader Antoine Dupont to fire the team up as they play in front of 80 000 screaming English fans. The French pack has the advantage over the English therefore I predict an away win by 4 points.
Probable Starting XVs
England
15 Freddie Steward, 14 Max Malins, 13 Henry Slade, 12 Ollie Lawrence, 11 Anthony Watson, 10 Marcus Smith, 9 Jack van Poortvliet, 8 Alex Dombrandt, 7 Jack Willis, 6 Lewis Ludlam, 5 Ollie Chessum, 4 Maro Itoje, 3 Kyle Sinckler, 2 Jamie George, 1 Ellis Genge (c)
France
15 Thomas Ramos, 14 Damian Penaud, 13 Gael Fickou, 12 Jonathan Danty, 11 Ethan Dumortier, 10 Romain Ntamack, 9 Antoine Dupont (c), 8 Gregory Alldritt, 7 Charles Ollivon, 6 Francois Cros, 5 Paul Willemse, 4 Thibaud Flament, 3 Dorian Aldegheri, 2 Julien Marchand, 1 Cyril Baille
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the England victory are as follows:
Betway 1.77
Gbets 1.75
Hollywoodbets 1.75
Odds comparison on the France handicap:
The complete odds on the France handicap:
Betway 1.90 (-2.5)
Gbets 1.91 (-2.5)
Hollywoodbets1.90 (-2.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor returns on the France outright win therefore we suggest the home team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.90 (-2.5), Gbets 1.91 (-2.5) and Hollywoodbets1.90 (-2.5)
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Sports crazy fan that follows all major sport but the game with the oval ball is my real passion. Was an age level rugby coach and a huge supporter of the Springboks and diehard Liverpool man. I’m an experienced punter and sports writer whose predictions/tips are sure to stir up the emotions. I love the occasional wager on the underdog.