France vs. England Predictions: Les Bleus to seal their Grand Slam crown in Paris

Well, we’re here, the final weekend of the Six Nations, and there’s still so much that can happen. France need a victory here to secure the title and the Grand Slam since securing both back in 2010. A win for England could see Ireland take the title, if they can beat Scotland earlier in the day.

France have recalled Damien Penaud to the starting XV, after the winger missed their game against Wales having tested positive for Covid. The French will have a raucous Parisian crowd behind them, with the game taking place at the Stade de France. Antoine Dupont will be looking to continue his form that made him the 2021 World Player of the Year, and lead his nation to their 10th Grand Slam, which would make them the third nation to do so.

England’s loss against Ireland last week means that they can no longer win the Six Nations, but depending on how results go before their game with the French, they could finish as high as third, but also as low as fifth, which if it did happen would mean a third second-bottom finish in five years. As of the time of writing, the England team hasn’t been announced yet, but we’ve previewed the game, and gone with two French based tips, so it shouldn’t matter too much anyway.

First up, we’re going for France to win both halves in this game. This bet has landed in all but one of France’s Six Nations games so far, with the anomaly coming against Ireland, who put up a very spirited fightback in the closing moments. Les Bleus are arguably the best team in world rugby at the minute, and they’re up against an England team who just can’t seem to get it right.

The French will be looking to seal their glory and push on towards the World Cup, and with the crowd behind them, I expect them to dominate proceedings.

Next up, an interesting one here. Only Gabin Villiere, James Lowe and Damien Penaud have scored more tries at the Six Nations than the French flanker Anthony Jelonch. The interesting thing about Jelonch is that both of his tries at this year’s tournament have been the opening try of the game, and in fact, only one of France’s four games so far this spring have seen a back open the scoring.

As previously mentioned, I’m expecting France to impose themselves on the English, and that early pressure could mean some spaces for the forwards (hopefully Jelonch) to nip in and seal the 25/1 long-shot.

As ever, good luck if you’re following these bets, and please gamble responsibly.