England vs France Prediction: Penaud to strike in Le Crunch
There’s never a shortage of drama when England and France face off in the Six Nations and these rivals will renew hostilities on Saturday when they clash at Allianz Stadium (16:45, ITV1)
Alex Jack provides his best bets in his England vs France prediction piece, as well as all the essential team news and match odds.
Team News
Steve Borthwick has made some big calls in the backline, with Marcus Smith moved to full-back and Fin Smith coming in at fly-half.
Fin Smith is joined by Northampton Saints team-mate Alex Mitchell in the half-backs, with Henry Slade and Ollie Lawrence in the centres.
Saints stars Ollie Slightholme and Tommy Freeman join Marcus Smith in the back three.
As for the orwards, Ellis Genge, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Will Stuart make up the front row, with skipper Maro Itoje and George Martin in the engine room.
Back-rowers Tom Curry, Tom Willis and Ben Earl complete the Red Rose pack.
As for France, it’s an unchanged pack from the win over Wales, with Jean-Baptiste Gros, Peato Mauvaka and Uini Atonio starting in the front row.
Alexandre Roumat and Emmanuel Meafou tower in the second row, while Francois Cros, Paul Boudehent, Gregory Alldritt complete the forwards.
Skipper Antoine Dupont is joined by Matthiew Jalibert in the half-backs, with Romain Ntamack suspended following his red card against Wales.
Pierre-Louis Barrassi and Yoram Moefana start in the centres, while the back three consists of full-back Thomas Ramos, Damian Penaud and Louis Bielle-Biarrey.
England are the 15/8 underdogs for Saturday’s showdown in London, while France the 4/9 favourites to head back across the Channel with the victory.
A draw on the day is available at 20/1, while France to be ahead at half-time and full-time is currently 4/5.
France -7 handicap @ 11/10
France were imperious against the Welsh on the opening weekend and, while England will provide a much sterner test at Allianz Arena, Les Bleus can cover the handicap in this one.
Fabien Galthie masterminded a 53-10 victory for France on their last visit to London for Le Crunch in 2023 and his side are capable of making it back-to-back victories in the English capital.
Borthwick has made some significant changes from the side that were edged out by Ireland in Dublin and this more settled French team can win by more than a converted try this weekend.
Odds correct at time of publishing.
Damian Penaud anytime tryscorer @ 1/1
Damian Penaud’s return is a boost to an already impressive French back division and the talented winger is good value to go over for a try on Saturday.
Penaud scored a brace of tries in France’s last visit to London and the Bordeaux try-machine catches the eye at 1/1 to add to his try collection at Allianz Stadium.
Odds correct at time of publishing.
Offers
Six Nations (31/01 – 15/03): Get double the odds if your winning First Tryscorer bet scores a 2nd in all Six Nations matches.
Saturday: Place an In-Play single bet of £10 or more at odds of 1/2+ on England v France on Saturday and get £5 in Free Bets to use In-Play on Scotland v Ireland. (Credited upon Bet Settlement)
Find more Rugby Union Betting Tips here at Betfred Insights
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