Saturday, 9 March 2013

6 Nations 2013 - Ireland v France


Who would have thought it? After three rounds, France and Ireland have won just one game between them and what should have been a potential title decider – what ,many, me included had down as a title decider beforehand – is now a wooden spoon clash for both sides.

Ireland's Cian Healy battles the elements, England v Ireland, Six Nations, Twickenham, England, March 17, 2012Ireland were our tip for a triple crown and championship tilt and all looked well after their stunning week one win over Wales, but two abject performances since have lost them their chance at the crown. Their 12-6 loss to an England side that were tournament favourites before the action started is defendable – although some of the handling that came with it was not, even in dreadful rain – and their defeat at Scotland was pretty much unforgivable given the absolute domination they had of gameplay, taking 74% of possession and 71% of territory, producing 3 first half linebreaks and beating 16 defenders in total – Scotland had to make three times more tackles at the end of the game.

France’s horrendous team selections had cofounded them until they took on an England side who had far more strength in depth on the bench, but until then they’d played all of the rugby during the game until the surprising removals of Trinh-Duc, Kayer, and world class prop Tomas Domingo. Put simply, either side could win and it would be no surprise, and the match odds offer no value; Tight winning margins are the way to go in that market.

However the one bet that does make real appeal is the total points market. The line is general set at something near forty, which with recent meetings – all but one of which has gone to France, for those interested – which is far too big with the form of both sides and also the horrendous weather at the Aviva. However, this is not a betting match and best left.

Advice

No bet (But strongly consider unders on points) 

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