France too strong for Boys in Green at Stade de France
The rescheduled match at the Stade de France takes place on Sunday and neutrals could be in for a treat. Both France and Ireland are playing some of the best attacking rugby seen in the tournament so far.
The Boys in Green notched 42 points and five tries against Italy last weekend and although France found it much harder at Murrayfield, they managed to cross the try line twice against a defensively sound Scotland and four times against Italy in their Six Nations opener. Only one of the last six meetings between the two teams in the Six Nations has featured less than 40 points so there seems little downside to buying total points at 44 with Sporting Index. The Paris meeting in 2006 yielded 74 points.
Philippe Saint-Andre’s (above) men are given an eight-point handicap with Coral but considering Ireland’s attacking threat and experience, I’m not certain that will be covered. However, Ireland’s record in Paris is poor: just one win since 1972.
France have frequently put their stamp on these matches well before half-time, as they did two years ago, when they led 17-3 at the break. Les Bleus should be expected to be in control throughout, even if they do not manage to run away with the game, so backing the half-time/full-time double at 8/13 with Bet Butler appeals.