England and France square off at Twickenham on Saturday in a winner-takes-all Six Nations Grand Slam decider.
Since the women’s Six Nations began in its current set up in 2002, England have been crowned champions on 13 occasions, claiming 11 Grand Slams along the way and they are seeking to make that 12 on Saturday.
The Red Roses have won the Championship in each of the last four edtions, including in 2021 when the format was altered to a four-week format with two pools and a final.
France have also enjoyed plenty of success since they were crowned champions in their maiden campaign in 2002 when they also completed a Grand Slam.
They have gone on to top the standings on a further five occasions and are the only nation aside from England to have finished at the summit since Ireland in 2015.
It’s all on the line when the two rivals go to battle at Twickenham with England and France both having won all four of their games so far.
England sit top and one point clear of France after claiming four bonus-point victories compared to three.
England vs France Betting Tips
Team news
England have been boosted by the news that captain Marlie Packer has been passed fit to lead the side out and she will start at openside flanker.
Centre Helena Rowland comes back into the XV for her first start since the 2022 World Cup semi-final win over Canada in November, replacing Lagi Tuima, who has dropped out of the 23-woman squad entirely, at outside centre.
Lucy Packer returns at scrum-half with Mo Hunt taking up a place on the bench, while hooker Lark Davies and prop Sarah Bern return to the front row.
France have opted to make a chance at scrum-half with Pauline Bourdon coming in for Alexandra Chambon.
Prop Assia Khalfaoui drops to the bench with Rose Bernadou preferred, while Maelle Picut isn’t included in the squad as Manau Feleu comes in at second row.
Romane Menager is the final player to drop out of the XV with Charlotte Escudero shifting to number eight and Axelle Berthoumieu stepping into the outside flanker slot.
England to win @ 2/15
England and France have been head and shoulders above the rest in the 2023 Six Nations Championship.
However, history suggests England will have what it takes to come through this all-or-nothing encounter, especially playing on home soil.
England have won their last nine meetings with France, including a 13-7 triumph at last year’s World Cup and they are on a 23-match winning streak in the Six Nations.
It’s also worth noting that it’s Simon Middleton’s final game in charge of the Red Roses – he’s overseen 85 games across eight years as head coach, recording 76 victories during that period – and England will be keen to send him off on a positive note.
France +14 handicap @ 10/11
Even though England tend to prevail in this fixture, it’s not often that they earn victory by a margin larger than 14 points.
The last five meetings have been decided by 12 points or fewer and England haven’t won by more than four points in any of the last three games when hosting France.
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