France vs Ireland
France entertains Ireland at the Stade de France in this crucial Six Nations encounter. Both teams come into this match on the back of first round wins. France had an easy victory over perennial basement dwellers Italy in their match. They easily won the match 37-10 but struggled for long periods in the match. The scoreline doesn’t tell the story as it was only late in the game that the French took control. This match is being touted as the title decider although it is still just the second round of competition. These two sides are most pundit’s favorites for the title.
TIP: France are unbeaten in their last four home matches and showed their class when they beat the All Blacks in November. Their recent home record against Ireland shows that this match will be a tight affair. Ireland had an impressive 29-7 win over Wales in the last match and dominated from the first whistle until the final hooter. They were the most impressive of all the teams last week albeit they played against a much weakened Welsh outfit. The bookies have the French as slight favourites but I tip Ireland for the upset win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 2.55, Playabets 2.50 and Sunbet 2.28
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
France vs Ireland
- Ireland have won three of the last five matches between these sides.
- France have won the last two most recent matches against Ireland.
- Four of the last six matches between these teams have been won by the home team.
Latest results for both teams
France beat Italy 37-10 in their last match while Ireland beat Wales 29-7 in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Irish are in fantastic form and are unbeaten in their last nine matches. Their last defeat was a home loss to the French so they will have payback at the back of their minds. Ireland looks a different team when they have Johnny Sexton pulling the strings for them and he will once again be the key player for them. France will be banking on their talisman Anton Dupont to show he is World Rugby Player of the Year. He had a quite first game but that could be expected as he was recovering form Covid. I am backing Ireland to win this match by 4 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
France
15 Melvyn Jaminet, 14 Damian Penaud, 13 Jonathan Danty, 12 Gael Fickou, 11 Gabin Villiere, 10 Romain Ntamack, 9 Antoine Dupont (captain), 8 Gregory Alldritt, 7 Dylan Cretin, 6 Anthony Jelonch, 5 Paul Willemse, 4 Cameron Woki, 3 Uini Atonio, 2 Julien Marchand, 1 Cyril Baille.
Ireland
15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Andrew Conway, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 Mack Hansen, 10 Johnny Sexton (captain), 9 Jamison Gibson Park, 8 Jack Conan, 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Caelan Doris, 5 James Ryan, 4 Tadhg Beirne, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Ronan Kelleher, 1 Andrew Porter.
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Ireland victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 2.55
Playabets 2.50
Sunbet 2.28
Odds comparison on the Ireland handicap :
The complete odds on the Ireland handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (+3.5) 1.85
Sunbet (+3.5) 1.82
Playabets (+3.5) 1.82
Predictions and Odds in details
This match will be decided by the forwards. The French have an extremely huge pack and they will try to bulldoze the Irish although this will not be an easy task as the Irish are very physical themselves. The loss of Johnathan Danty will be vital as his presence in the midfield will be sorely missed. Bundee Aki will need to get the Irish over the advantage line. There are great odds on the Ireland upset win but if you are looking for a safety bet then I suggest Ireland on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (+3.5) 1.85, Sunbet (+3.5) 1.82 and Playabets (+3.5) 1.82
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.
