England vs France Six Nations Picks and Odds
- England are 2.5-point favorites over France in their Six Nations rugby match on Saturday, March 13th
- France are 2-0 in the tournament, while England are 1-2
- The February 28th France-Scotland match was postponed followed a COVID-19 outbreak in the French side
It’s difficult trying to decipher whether England or France were more undisciplined through Round 3 of the Six Nations rugby championship.
England was assessed 14 penalties during a 40-24 loss at Wales. Meanwhile, the France vs Scotland match was postponed following a COVID-19 outbreak amongst the French squad.
An investigation into the cause of the outbreak ended up revealing that several French players, as well as coach Fabien Galthie, left the Six Nations bubble following the side’s win over Italy.
Oddsmakers are leaning toward England taking advantage of the idle French when the two countries meet Saturday, March 13th, in the fourth round of Six Nations competition. The English are listed as 2.5-point favorites.
France vs England Six Nations Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| England | -141 | -2.5 (-106) | OFF |
| France | +110 | +2.5 (-121) | OFF |
| Draw | +2200 |
Odds as of Mar. 5th at DraftKings.
Kickoff for the England-France match is set for 11:45am ET at Twickenham. The contest is being broadcast by NBC Peacock Premium.
France Will Go On
French sports minister Roxana Maracineanu was threatening to withdraw her country’s squad from the Six Nations if a full investigation didn’t take place into the cause of the COVID-19 outbreak within the French rugby side.
Friday, that investigation reached completion. A ruling came down that no one in the French squad was guilty of wrongdoing. An announcement was made confirming that France, the favorites to win the Six Nations after matchday two, would be continuing in the event.
France get the official go-ahead to continue playing in the Six Nations after meeting with the government – but the Covid protocols will become even more strict. https://t.co/qOkY6TxX60
— Alex Lowe (@AlexMLowe) March 5, 2021
France will tighten its COVID-19 restrictions going forward. Players will no longer be given permission to leave the hotel during away matches other than to go to training or the match.
A total of 11 players and five staff members suffered infection with the novel coronavirus. The French squad will be gathering Sunday to begin training for the England match. The France-Scotland match is being rescheduled to March 26th.
France could have both fly-half Romain Ntamack (jaw) and wing/center Virimi Vakatawa (knee) available for the first time since the Six Nations began. However, prop Demba Bamba (hamstring) is out for the remainder of the tourney.
Broken English
Losing for the second time in three Six Nations matches, England’s undisciplined play resulted in opening the door to a 40-24 loss to Wales. Lock Maro Itoje was penalized five times himself. After rallying to pull even with Wales at 24-24 in the second half, England took three penalties during an eight-minute span.
A statement from England Rugby. pic.twitter.com/D6wfut7BNV
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) February 28, 2021
Coach Eddie Jones is under fire and there are those calling for him to drop captain Owen Farrell, who is struggling with his form. More disconcertingly, England prop Ellis Genge received death threats on social media from angry England supporters. Genge was caught on video not participating in the traditional clap off of the Welsh side following the loss to Wales.
French Toast in England
France has lost eight straight matches at Twickenham. The French most recently won there in a Rugby World Cup pre-tournament tune-up match in 2007. France haven’t won a Six Nations match in England since 2005.
Squad update 🌹 David Ribbans will replace the injured @Courtney_Lawes for the remainder of the tournament.
Find out more on our website ⤵️
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) March 3, 2021
England have called up South African-born lock David Ribbans. He qualifies for the England side because his grandparents were English. Ribbans replaces the injured Courtney Lawes and would be in line to earn his first cap.
Pick: France +110.
An industry veteran, Bob literally taught the course on the history of sports at Elder College. He has worked as a Sports Columnist for Postmedia, appeared as a guest on several radio stations, was the Vice President of the Society For International Hockey Research in Ontario, and written 25 books.
