Scotland v France – French perspective on the 2010 RBS Six Nations

Team: Scotland

Scotland vs. France Stats (All time)
France: W45, D3, L34
Biggest Winning Margin: 51-9
Biggest Losing Margin: 31-3
2009 Six Nations Result: France 22, Scotland 13

Chances: Favourites with the majority of bookies, and that is on the strength of their flair and the fact that they beat New Zealand and South Africa last year. However, the French have a reputation for being inconsistent, and that problem has not been addressed by head coach Marc Lievremeont. Yes, they still look dynamic when on top of their game, but they are equally as self destructive when things go wrong. Not scared of changing personnel and trying new things, the French could be their own worst enemies instead of building on pieces of success. Anyone who takes down New Zealand in their own back yard is doing something really, very right with their game. The one which got destroyed by England in last year’s Six Nations, 34-10, are not. The signs are more promising than the last tournament, where they also lost to Ireland.

The one weapon which the French do have, is their pack. While the Welsh may have the best front three in the tournament, the French pack, overall, is regarded as being the best. It is powerful and looks to have the power to go toe-to-toe with the likes of England’s power. The difference is that France already have the running game in their arsenal, and the ball handling skills, which the English often look like they are trying to hard to achieve. It will be in the forwards where France will be able to storm right through the Scottish, but at the same time be wary of the success the Scots had over the Australians in the Autumn. The fixture list could favour the French heavily this year, as they play the other two main contenders, the Irish and the English at home. They do have the ability to win the Six Nations, that is not in question. Their temperament and consistency, is. They do have issues with injuries, but if they bring their A game every week, they will take the crown.

Key Man: Nicolas Mas in the scrum has the experience needed to cause the Scottish front row serious headaches and is a contender, but Imanol Harinordoquy has the complete forward game. An absolute power house both in offence and defence, possibly one of the best in the world at his job. The control he will bring should help the French overcome any inconsistency problems.

Outright Six Nations Odds
6/4 at Blue Square

Scotland v France Match Odds
France to win: 2/5 at Totesport
Draw: 25/1 at Bwin
Scotland to win: 5/2 at SportingBet