The first action in the 2024 edition of Six Nations comes from Marseille on Friday where France clash with defending champions Ireland
France v Ireland, Friday 2nd February, Marseille, KO 22:00 (South African time)
Referee: Karl Dickson (RFU)
Assistant Referees: Matthew Carley (RFU), Jordan Way (RA)
TMO: Ben Whitehouse (WRU)
Weather Forecast – Marseille
France
As hosts of RWC 2023 France won all their pool matches including the key game against the All Blacks but they exited the tournament in the quarter finals when they were edged out 29-28 by the Springboks.
France finished as runners up to Ireland in the 6 Nations last year. They won 4 and lost 1 of their 6N matches with that sole loss coming to the Irish in Dublin, 32-19.
Fabien Galthie remains as coach but Les Blues will be without Antoine Dupont throughout the tournament and they will not play any of their 3 home games in Paris.
In the outright betting markets with BoyleSports France are currently 11/10 favourites to win the title and 24/10 to land a Grand Slam
Fixtures & Results: R1 Ireland (h), R2 Scotland (a), R3 Italy (h), R4 Wales (a), R5 England (h)
Looking ahead to Saturday where all eyes will be on South Africa's clash with Cape Verde it's worth mention a BoyleSports Price Boost …..... Bafana Bafana to lift the AFCON trophy was 12.00 now 20.00
Ireland
In RWC2023 Ireland won all their pool matches, most notable against the Springboks and Scotland but they bowed out in the quarter finals, losing 28024 to the All Blacks.
In 2023 Ireland pulled off a Six Nations Grand Slam, finishing 7 points clear of France at the top of the standings.
Andy Farrell continues as coach but Johnny Sexton has retired from playing as has Keith Earls and Peter O’Mahony takes over as skipper
In the outright betting markets with BoyleSports Ireland are currently 15/10 second favourites to win the title, 11/10 for the Triple Crown and 3.35/1 to land another Grand Slam
Fixtures & Results: R1 France (a), R2 Italy (h), R3 Wales (h), R4 England (a), R5 Scotland (h)
Team News
France: 15 Thomas Ramos, 14 Damian Penaud, 13 Gael Fickou, 12 Jonathan Danty, 11 Yoram Moefana, 10 Matthieu Jalibert, 9 Maxime Lucu, 8 Gregory Alldritt (c), 7 Charles Ollivon, 6 Francois Cros, 5 Paul Willemse, 4 Paul Gabrillagues, 3 Uini Atonio, 2 Peato Mauvaka, 1 Cyril Baille
Replacements: 16 Julien Marchand, 17 Reda Wardi, 18 Dorian Aldegheri, 19 Romain Taofifenua, 20 Paul Boudehent, 21 Cameron Woki, 22 Nolann Le Garrec, 23 Louis Bielle-Biarrey
Ireland: 15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Calvin Nash, 13 Robbie Henshaw, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 James Lowe, 10 Jack Crowley, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Caelan Doris, 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Peter O’Mahony (captain), 5 Tadhg Beirne, 4 Joe McCarthy, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Dan Sheehan, 1 Andrew Porter
Replacements: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 James Ryan, 20 Ryan Baird, 21 Jack Conan, 22 Conor Murray, 23 Ciaran Frawley
Head to Head (6 Nations Only)
2023 6N Dublin Ireland 32–19 France (Tries 4-1 )
2022 6N Paris France 30-24 Ireland (Tries 2-3)
2021 6N Dublin Ireland 13-15 France (Tries 1-2)
2020 6N Paris France 35-27 Ireland (Tries 4-3)
2019 6N Dublin Ireland 26-14 France (Tries 4-2)
2018 6N Paris France 13-15 Ireland (Tries 1-0)
2017 6N Dublin Ireland 19-9 France (Tries 1-0)
2016 6N Paris France 10-9 Ireland (Tries 1-0)
The Betting
France -4.5 points
Ireland +4.5 points
Note, odds quoted are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change.
Betting Angle
What a match to have first up and if the outright betting is to be believed this looms as a potential Championship decider.
The handicap opened -3.5 and money has come for the French with -4.5 France now on offer across the board.
I am in the French camp and really like their team while I am thinking Ireland will battle a bit having said goodbye to some experienced players. I still rate Ireland make no mistake, but I think the French will have the edge here and can beat the handicap in this fixture (when hosting) for the 3rd successive time.
The points line of 46.5 looks well set in my opinion.
Stay close to our forum thread where I will post any additional bets and other punters share their plays
BET: 4 units France -4.5 at 19/20 at Betxchange
Note, odds are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
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