What Are The Odds?
Both Ireland and France opened their Six Nations campaigns with victories last weekend, but they came about them in vastly differing styles. Paddy Power Bookmakers tell us what the odds are.
Click here for a free €;20 bet for new customers and for all Ireland v France Markets.
Money-Back Special
If Brian O’Driscoll scores a try, Paddy Power will refund all losing try scorer and winning margin bets on the match.
Not for the first time in his career, Ronan O’Gara rescued Ireland with a last gasp drop goal, whilst at times France looked sensational in a comfortable triumph over Scotland.
It all means that Paddy Power, the official bookmakers to the IRFU, have predicted a tight contest when les Bleus make their debut at the Aviva Stadium.
France have been chalked up as slight favourites for the match at 4/6, but Ireland are not to be dismissed lightly and only slightly behind at 6/5. With a close match all but guaranteed, the 18/1 for a draw is sure to tempt a certain amount of punters.
The Handicap Betting also emphasises how little there is to choose between the two teams. Sunday’s hosts are 10/11 to win +2 points with France -2 points available at 10/11.
Given the impressive showing from the French scrum last Saturday, the return of Jamie Heaslip is very timely for Ireland and with Scotland highlighting a soft centre to the defending Grand Slam champions, there is reason for Declan Kidney’s men to feel confident.
Chances were created against the Italians and greater composure with the try-line in sight would have smoothed the path to victory.
A vocal crowd savouring the Aviva Stadium’s first taste of Six Nations rugby should ensure a pulsating atmosphere. If Ireland can get to the French then victory is distinctly possible.
It is likely to be very close so a Winning Margin bet of Ireland to win by 1-5 points at 4/1, or Ireland to win by 6-10 points at 11/2 could be a good call.
The pack were responsible for two of the three tries Scotland managed in Paris, so it is worth looking at some of Ireland’s most potent forwards in the First Try scorer market.
Jamie Heaslip is a 17/1 shot to grab the opening try of the game and his Leinster colleague, Sean O’Brien, is rated a 16/1 chance in the same market.
Considering the vast array of attacking talent on the pitch, the requirement of touching down first may not be to everyone’s betting tastes, so it is worthwhile considering alternatives. They are both 7/2 to score a try at any point during the match and 11/2 in Paddy Power’s Wincast market which combines an anytime try with Ireland to win the match.
Click here for a free €;20 bet for new customers and for all Ireland v France Markets.