France vs Scotland – Six Nations – Picks and Odds
- France are -137 favorites over Scotland at home in their Six Nations rugby clash on Sunday
- The French are 2-0 in the tournament, while the Scots are 1-1
- A COVID-19 outbreak amidst the French squad has impacted 10 players
As unbeaten France prepares to play host to Scotland in Six Nations rugby action on Sunday, Feb. 28th (10:00 am ET at Stade France), could COVID-19 do to the French what no side has proven capable of doing, and put them down for the count?
Ten members of France’s squad, as well as head coach Fabien Galthie, have tested positive for the virus. Two other players are also out for the match after being in close contact with players who’ve tested positive for COVID-19.
Nonetheless, the 2-0 French, with wins over Ireland (15-13) and Italy (50-10), are still -137 favorites to defeat Scotland. The Scots are 1-1. After winning away at England, Scotland lost at home to Wales.
Scotland vs France Six Nations Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scotland | +108 | +1.5 (-113) | OFF |
| France | -137 | -1.5 (-113) | OFF |
| Draw | +2200 |
Odds as of Feb. 24th at DraftKings.
A COVID Conundrum
Through two rounds of Six Nations play, there’s been a line drawn on the pitch. There was France and then there was everyone else. No other side was displaying the level of performance that’s been coming from the French.
Could anything stop Les Tricolores from running rampant to a Six Nations crown? That’s when COVID-19 entered the game.
It seems that doing this with no masks on might lead to a Covid breakout. @FranceRugby now with over 10 positive cases from their players and management pic.twitter.com/r5B9ivdnwl
— Andy Goode (@AndyGoode10) February 22, 2021
A total of 10 French players tested positive for the virus and are in isolation. The list of the ailing includes scrum-half Antoine Dupont, who’s been the most dynamic player in the tournament and captain Charles Ollivon. Also out are hookers Julien Marchand and Peato Mauvaka, props Cyril Baille and Mohammed Haouas, center Arthur Vincent, winger Gabin Villiere, lock Romain Taofifenua and fullback Brice Dulin.
Lock Swann Rebbadj and prop Jean-Baptiste Gros were dropped after coming in close contact with players who’d tested positive. As well, along with Galthie, assistant coach William Servat and lineout coach Karim Ghezal also will miss the match after testing positive for COVID-19. Lock/flanker Baptiste Pesenti, called up as a replacement for those who tested positive, also tested positive.
Can Scotland Capitalize?
The Scottish tradition of fumbling away good fortune again came to light during their 25-24 home defeat to Wales. It came on the heels of Scotland’s first victory at England since 1983.
Paris has also proven to be a journey to forget for the Scots. They haven’t won in France since 1999.
Gregor Townsend has named his Scotland squad to prepare for next weekend's #GuinnessSixNations match against @FranceRugby in Paris.
➡️ Josh Bayliss
➡️ Jamie Bhatti
➡️ Jamie Dobie
➡️ Rob Harley
➡️ Adam Hastings
➡️ Sam Johnson
➡️ Cornell du PreezFull story ⤵️
— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) February 21, 2021
It was vital for Scotland that this match go ahead as scheduled. Under Six Nations rules, a postponement to the following week would mean the Scottish couldn’t suit up players under contract to clubs in foreign nations. That would’ve deprived Scotland of 10 regulars, including captain Stuart Hogg, scrum-half Finn Russell and lock Jonny Gray.
Scotland will be without center Cameron Redpath and back row forwards Gary Graham and Blade Thomson through injury. Prop Zander Fagerson is serving the first of a four-game ban for a red card against Wales. The Scottish have called up fly-half Adam Hastings, backs Sam Johnson and Jamie Dobie and forwards Josh Bayliss, Jamie Bhatti, Cornell du Preez and Rob Harley.
Stick With France
Based on the number of key absences from the French side, it’ll be tempting to make a play on Scotland here. Don’t go there.
The last time the Scots won in France, this was still known as the Five Nations tournament.
The streak is 10 losses in a row. In nine of those setbacks, Scotland couldn’t even muster up 20 points.
Take France and lay the points.
Pick: France -1.5 (-113)
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.
