Under-fire England host a covid-disrupted French side at Twickenham on Saturday in a round four Test that will have a massive bearing on the outcome of the championship.
Image Copyright – Steve Haag Sports.
England v France
18h45
Twickenham Stadium
To Win Match
England 8/10
Draw 20/1
France 11/10
Handicap
England (-1.5) 9/10
France (+1.5) 9/10
England head into “Le Crunch” off the back of their disappointing 40-24 loss to Wales that ultimately cost them their title. Eddie Jones’ men have their backs against the wall and will need an almighty performance if they are to bring down this France side.
Much has been made in the media about some of Jones’ continued selections, with many urging the Australian to pick Exeter Chiefs No 8 Sam Simmonds after Billy Vunipola’s below-par showings in 2021. Simmonds, the reigning EPCR European Player of the Year, has scored an outstanding 14 tries in 13 games for the Chiefs this season but Jones has made it clear that the 26-year-old’s style of play doesn’t suit his team. Still, Warren Gatland may have something different to say in a few months’ time…
Boss-man Eddie has ruled out making sweeping changes to his England team ahead of the final two Test matches as his squad continues to go through a “transition phase”. He has, however, called on the world’s most experienced Test referee in Wayne Barnes to assist in solving the disciplinary issues that have plagued England’s campaign. It will be interesting to see what influence this will have on a team that has conceded a whopping 42 penalties in their three matches so far.
France, meanwhile, continue their quest for a first Grand Slam in 11-years after a covid outbreak within the squad threatened to derail their campaign. They head into the weekend with a game in hand, knowing full well that their title destiny is in their hands.
Veteran lock Bernard le Roux and fullback Thomas Ramos have been ruled out, but star flyhalf Romain Ntamack and centre Virimi Vakatawa are expected to be back ahead of this one.
Verdict: France 11/10
Barnes’ input may well have improved England’s understanding of the new laws, but the return of Ntamack and Vakatawa could make waves for France at Twickenham. It will be a close one but back France to record a narrow win.
Written by Shaun Goosen.
