Six Nations: England vs France

Since the advent of the Six Nations Championship in 2000, <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />England and France have between themselves accounted for the trophy on every occasion, but when the two sides face each other on Sunday it is with fear of failure rather than hope of expectation. Neither is the force of recent years, and defeat would virtually spell the end of their title aspirations for 2005.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> This may be a little harsh for France who did at least score a victory in week one against Scotland, but for England, this is very much the reality. The World Champions were exposed by Wales at the Millennium Stadium, and the 9-11 defeat was if anything flattering to them. With an away match against Ireland lying in wait a fortnight from now, some confidence must be restored, and for any team to win the Championship, home successes are a pre requisite. Much has been made of the fall from grace suffered by England since the World Cup, and certainly losing at home to Ireland last year, as well as away to France acted as a startling come down from the highs of just a few months earlier. Comfortable defeats in New Zealand and Australia during the summer compounded these feelings and were closely followed by the resignation of coach Clive Woodward, as well as captain Lawrence Dallaglio. Andy Robinson succeeded Woodward and with the mass retirements since the glory of November 2003, it was rightly seen as a time of transition. However, Robinson prepared a team that was able to totally outplay the Tri-Nations Champions South Africa in his first game at the helm, and they played sublime rugby. They also pushed Australia very hard the following week. In the same period, France were also in action, at home, against Southern hemisphere opposition. Les Bleus were well beaten by Argentina, going down 14-24, and then utterly dismantled by New Zealand 6-45. Whilst England lost last week, playing in Cardiff is always a monumental task, and the Wales side was one of genuine ability and one growing in confidence. Just hours earlier, France were hosting Scotland, a team in disrepair and uncertainty. Only a questionable line call and a moment of insanity from Simon Danielli allowed Bernard Laporte's men to avoid a loss. The final score was 16-9. England also have a far stronger side taking the pitch this week. Martin Corry is an out and out number eight, whilst the same can be said of Lewis Moody on the open side flank. Last week, none of the back row had adequate international experience of playing in the position they were asked to. Olly Barkley gives the invaluable option of kicking from inside centre, and Harry Ellis is a scrum half picked on form rather than experience. There were definitely some alarming inadequacies in existence against Wales, but the selection this time around has a far more wholesome feel to it. France are able to welcome back Serge Betsen, and the marauding flanker will be licking his lips at the prospect of attacking the channel occupied by Barkley and Charlie Hodgson. However. The English back row also has the ability to counter this, and in front of a packed Twickenham, there will be no lack of incentive to impress. Whilst many are down on the prospects for England, we are confident that with a strong side they can provide a match for anyone at home. In France they face the embodiment of unpredictability, but going by performances alone over the last six months, they are far removed from the outfit that took them to the World Cup semi finals. Olivier Magne and Imanol Harinorduquy are notable absentees from the back row and Betsen will have to play remarkably well to paper over the cracks. England are 4/6 to win, or available at 10/11 with a -4 handicap. Games between the two nations have tended to be decided by small margins, which is why we are taking the outright price. France have not won at Twickenham since 1997, and we do not expect them to do so on Sunday but with a fair amount of uncertainty over the two countries, we shall be keeping stakes on the small side. Check out our free betting guide for all our free bets!