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Round 2 of the 2023 Six Nations begins with Ireland hosting France at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin with both teams looking to register their second victory of the tournament. According to most rugby followers, and the world rankings, these are the top two sides in the world. Let’s take a look below at our Ireland vs France predictions.
These odds from Ladbrokes were correct at the time of writing.
Ireland vs France – Match Prediction
Contents
We have studied the markets and have picked out the these two rugby predictions ahead of this heavyweight clash in Dublin.
Ireland to win @ 1/2 (1.50)
This will be no walk in the park for either side and the pressure will be on both teams with many observers expecting the winner of this clash to go on to secure the 2023 Six Nations title.
Ireland were particularly impressive in Round 1. They came out of the traps at speed in Cardiff and slammed down three tries inside the opening 21 minutes. France are a much stronger side than Wales but Ireland were the team of the opening round.
France were pushed all the way by Italy in Rome in spite of scoring three tries of their own inside 27 minutes. However, they experienced some very worrying moments in the second half and were losing 24-22 before finally winning the match.
Total Match Tries Over 5.5 @ 6/5 (2.20)
There were five tries in both of Ireland’s and France’s opening fixtures and we expect this game to be entertaining as well as close. If this game was later in the tournament and the competition was on the line then we could expect a nervous affair. However, with the fixture in Round 2, we expect a try scoring competition with at least an average of three in each half.
Ireland vs France Preview
After studying those two bets above, let’s have a closer look at what Ireland and France will bring to this match.
Ireland
There will be one enforced change for Ireland with a hamstring injury keeping hooker Dan Sheenan out of the side. Ulster’s Rob Herring comes in to replace him. There were also injuries worries over captain Johnny Sexton and Conor Murray but both have been passed fit to play.
James Ryan and Andrew Porter will both make their 50th appearance for Ireland in this match.
Ireland line-up: 15 Keenan, 14 Hansen, 13 Ringrose, 12 McCloskey, 11 Lowe, 10 Sexton (c), 9 Murray, 1 Porter, 2 Herring, 3 Bealham, 4 Beirne, 5 Ryan, 6 O’Mahony, 7 van der Flier, 8 Doris.
France
In spite of their second half hiccup in Rome, which ever so nearly cost them the game, France will be unchanged ahead of this match. Coach Fabien Galthie explained that his team often start tournaments with their weakest performance but they will certainly need to put on a stronger display over 80 minutes if they are to trouble Ireland on Saturday.
France squad: 15 Ramos, 14 Penaud, 13 Fickou, 12 Moefana, 11 Dumortier, 10 Ntamack, 9 Dupont (c), 1 Baille, 2 Marchand, 3 Atonio, 4 Flament, 5 Willemse, 6 Jelonch, 7 Ollivon, 8 Alldritt.
Ireland vs France Head to Head
France have a strong 59-35 overall lead in the head to head against Ireland and have won the last three meetings between the teams.
Ireland vs France Match Details
- Date and time: Saturday 11th February at 2:15 PM GMT.
- Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland
- How to watch Ireland vs France Six Nations in the UK: ITV1.
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