Scotland vs France
8th March 1500hrs
Rugby – England – Premiership
Pick Scotland +6 Handicap
Bookmaker Bet365
Odds: Even Money odds taken 2125 GMT, Thursday 6th March
France are two wins from the Six Nations and Grand Slam titles. They have been the surprise package of the tournament so far and have a chance to step closer to success. Scotland will be looking to pick up their second victory of the campaign.
Table of Contents
France can overcome Scotland at Murrayfield
The French have seen off England, Italy and Wales so far in this campaign. They were out on the road in the third round, paying a visit to the Principality Stadium in Cardiff to face the Welsh.
The French came away with a 27-23 victory, although there was a little bit of controversy about their success. Wales believed they should have had a penalty try near the end of the match.
The French have ran up 11 tries in this season’s competition, compared to the three that the Scots have put on the board.
They are looking very, very powerful up front are the French and you would assume that is where they are going to try and take Scotland on.
France has been on a roll under new head coach Fabien Galthie. But it’s not just that, the clear difference that defensive coach Shaun Edwards has made is visibly clear.
Notably, against England and Wales, the French defence has been superb. They should keep Scotland at arm’s length. France have won their last two Six Nations road games, but just three of their last 12.
Can Scotland stop the French?
Scotland got their first win of the campaign in the last round, beating Italy. That followed losses against Ireland and England. They are now going to have to try and find a way to stop this French juggernaut.
Scotland have been a little bit ragged in the pack as well as from simple set plays this season. Those are areas where France are going to hurt them. The Scots will have to try and find a way to counter the blitz defence of France as well.
Scotland were wasteful with the ball in hand in their first two matches, not managing to get a try on the board. They touched down three times in their 17-0 victory in Rome in the last round of action.
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In the last five Six Nations meetings, results have altered between a France win and a Scotland win.
So that’s France 3-2 in the last five head to head matches. If you look back at the last decade of Six Nations meetings, it is worse reading still for Scotland.
They have won two of the last nine against France. Those were in their last two home fixtures against them.
Scotland vs France Betting Advice
There is a way that Scotland can combat the blitz defence of France to try and get a foothold to get themselves into the game. But on the pitch, tactics are sometimes hard to deliver.
It’s unlikely that Scotland is going to be able to rebuff the visitors for 80 minutes. France have started quickly in their matches and some quick early pressure can see them pick up the victory.
Key Facts – Scotland vs France Betting Tip
- All of Scotland’s tries in this campaign happened against Italy
- Scotland have lost to Ireland and England in the campaign
- France have won six of the last nine Six Nations meetings
But still, as just two of the last eight meetings have been settled by a margin of under 10 points, the handicap is worth keeping on the lower side for Scotland v France betting. A Scotland +6 handicap may just get the job done.
The best betting odds for Scotland vs France
Scotland to win: 2/1 at Bet365
Draw: 22/1 at Bet365
France: 4/9 at Bet365
