Will Wales capitalise on France’s wobbly campaign and inflict a second defeat on Le Bleu at the Principality Stadium on Sunday? Shaun Goosen previews.
2024 Six Nations – Wales v France
Sunday 10 March 2024 – 17:00
Millenium Stadium
A young, improving Welsh outfit will smell blood ahead of their Six Nations clash against an out-of-sorts France at the Millenium Stadium on Sunday.
To Win Match
Wales 2/1 | Draw 25/1 | France 4/10
Handicap
Wales (+6.5) 9/10 | France (-6.5) 9/10
Despite their 31-7 loss in Dublin last time out, Wales continue to steadily improve under Warren Gatland. They face a massive test against Italy in Cardiff next week that may define their campaign but must first negotiate their date with France on Sunday.
A clinical Warrenball display will certainly expose weaknesses in this depleted French side’s armoury and potential rain will work in favour of the hosts. If they can drag the visitors into a scrappy kicking battle, they could effect an upset.
Several personnel changes, such as a new-look midfield of Joe Roberts and Owen Watkin (at George North and Nick Tompkins’ expense) may give the Dragons a boost too and could hamper Fabien Galthie’s preparations ahead of the weekend.
The French squad has been ravaged by injury and the absence of recently departed Antoine Dupont to the sevens circuit hasn’t helped. Coupled with the psychological scarring incurred at last year’s World Cup and it’s easy to see why France have struggled so much this tournament.
Galthie deserves to survive the championship post-mortem and should be the man to continue leading Les Bleus beyond the Six Nations. Still, plenty will depend on the performances his team puts out over the next fortnight.
Verdict: Wales at 2/1
It will be a tight affair but France are vulnerable and Wales have the fight necessary to go for the jugular and earn a famous win. As always, if you’re not keen on Wales to win on the board, back them on the plus.
