Six Nations: France vs England Preview

The game that brings the curtain down on what will go down as one of the greatest Six Nations in the competition’s history, France host rivals England at the Stade de France on Saturday, March 14th, kicking off at 8.10pm and live on ITV1. France saw their Grand Slam dreams go up in smoke at Murrayfield in the last round after a 50-40 defeat to Scotland, while England suffered their first-ever loss at the hands of Italy. The only way is up for England after that 23-18 defeat in Rome and they can produce a response when they head to Saint-Denis for Le Crunch on Super Saturday.

Tip 1: England +14.5 @ Evs with bet365

England have been favourites going into all of their four games of the Six Nations so far, but Steve Borthwick’s side have only managed one victory in the opening round against Wales. Since then, defeats to Scotland, Ireland and Italy have seen many question what is happening in the England camp and what the future holds for this side with a World Cup on Australian soil to come next year.

Carrying the underdogs tag might actually suit England better this weekend, as they head to title-chasers France with few believing they can cause an upset. However, France had a substantial wobble in Edinburgh last time out, with Scotland showing the blueprint for how to get after Les Bleus. Move the ball quickly and put pressure on this French defence and they will give up penalties. England have almost a free shot at France on Saturday and, given they beat the French 26-25 in the Six Nations only last year, the Red Rose can make things uncomfortable and are backed with the generous +14.5 handicap here.

Tip 2: Louis Bielle-Biarrey first tryscorer @ 6/1 with bet365

It was Darcy Graham who nipped over for the opening try last time France played, but that man Louis Bielle-Biarrey flew in for the visitors’ first try at Murrayfield. A try that continued the theme of Bielle-Biarrey scoring early in Test matches, the Bordeaux flyer has scored first-half tries in all of his four matches in the Six Nations this season. Also scoring the opening try the last time France and England crossed swords at Allianz Stadium in the Six Nations last year, Bielle-Biarrey is good value to bag the opening try at the Stade de France on Saturday.

Tip 3: Tommy Freeman anytime tryscorer @ 6/4 with bet365

Scoring last time out in a losing cause for England in Rome, Northampton Saints star Tommy Freeman is backed to add another try to his Test collection this weekend. There have been questions regarding Freeman’s best position, but whether on the wing or at outside centre, Freeman is a serious threat with ball in hand. The British & Irish Lion has the size to punch holes through this French defence that conceded seven tries against Scotland last weekend. Also scoring for England the last time they played France last season, Freeman is backed to go over for the visitors in Saint-Denis.