France vs Wales
We down to the Top Billing match of the Six Nations where the winner takes all. A Wales victory crowns them champions while a French victory will mean that their re- arranged match against Scotland next week becomes a title decider. The French outfit look to have world class players in every position and although they lost to England in their last match, they remain a class act. Wales have been the surprise package so far, coming into this tournament they were considered rank outsiders (behind Italy) and now they find themselves one victory away from an unlikely Six Nations crown. In order for Wales to have any chance they need to keep the irrepressible Anton Dupont quiet. This is easier said than done as Dupont is spoilt for choice when it comes to which backline player he can use to attack. Players like Virimi Vakatawa, Damian Penaud and Teddy Thomas can tear open any defense and the Wales will need to be at their very best to blunt this fearsome attack. The battle between Wales Wonderkid Louis Rees-Zammit and the French wingers will be intriguing to say the least and could go a long way to deciding this match.
TIP: This match we will hopefully see that French flair and if Dupont and Jalibert can get good front foot ball then it could become a long night for the Welsh. Wales no doubt will be up for this one and we can expect a ferocious Red defence against the waves of Blue attack. I just feel that there are too many threats in the French team and Wales won’t be able to keep them at bay for 80 minutes. I am predicting a French victory at 1.35 but I am also backing them to cover the handicap (-8.5). Sunbet has them at 2.06 while Worldsportbetting and Supabets both are offering 2.0
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
France vs Wales
- The last 5 matches see Wales holding the edge 3 wins to 2.
- The last 9 matches have seen 3 wins for the away team.
- The last 6 home matches for France has seen the matches split 3-3.
Latest results for both teams
France lost their last game against England 23-20 and Wales won their last match against Italy 7-48.
PREDICTION
This French team is the best we have seen in many years and seem to have rediscovered the flair that they love playing with. The other major improvement we have seen is in their discipline and Wales will need to be at their very best if this is going to be a close game. I see the French running away with this match and see them winning by at least 11 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
France
15 Brice Dulin, 14 Teddy Thomas, 13 Virimi Vakatawa, 12 Gael Fickou, 11 Damian Penaud, 10 Matthieu Jalibert, 9 Antoine Dupont, 8 Gregory Alldritt, 7 Charles Ollivon (c), 6 Dylan Cretin, 5 Paul Willemse, 4 Romain Taofifenua, 3 Mohamed Haouas, 2 Julien Marchand, 1 Cyril Baille
Wales
15 Liam Williams, 14 Louis Rees-Zammit, 13 George North, 12 Jonathan Davies, 11 Josh Adams, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Gareth Davies, 8 Taulupe Faletau, 7 Justin Tipuric, 6 Josh Navidi, 5 Alun Wyn Jones (c), 4 Adam Beard, 3 Tomas Francis, 2 Ken Owens, 1 Wyn Jones
Odds for this bet
The odds on the French handicap (-8.5) are as follows:
Sunbet 2.06
Supabets 2.0
Odds comparison
An Irish win is priced as follows:
Sunbet 2.06
Supabets 2.0
Predictions and Odds in details
The French team in Paris is always a formidable opponent even without fans and this French team is building something special and are blessed with youth and talented players all over the park. Led superbly by arguably the best player on the planet, Dupont, he has the all round game that could single handedly beat a team. As with all French teams they love the scrum and this lot is no different and I feel the forward battle will be won by them and this will lay the platform for their exciting backs. I know the French will attack the ageing Welsh players and play will a high tempo game before pulling away in the second half. I am fancying a French victory by at least 10 points. Sunbet has them at 2.06 while Worldsportbetting and Supabets both are offering 2.0 on the French handicap (-8.5).
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.
