France vs Ireland Tips - France to down reigning-Grand Slam champions Ireland

Ben Darvill

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Last updated: 30 Jan 2024

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Ben Darvill 30 Jan 2024

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France vs Ireland predictions for Saturday's Six Nations clash
France have won their last two home games against Ireland
Ireland will be playing with talisman Johnny Sexton for the first time

Expired

France's Gregory Alldritt ( Getty Images)

France vs Ireland Tips

France arrive for the 2024 Six Nations in a time of uncertainty, with the chasm that Antoine Dupont leaves one that will be hugely difficult to deal with.

France vs Ireland Tips
Head To Head
France Form
Ireland Form

Ireland are also without an incredibly influential player, with the retirement of Johnny Sexton at 10 one that will likely impact Ireland heavily.

Head To Head

Ireland were able to stun France when the sides played in the 2023 Six Nations, securing a 32-19 win. Prior to this, the French had won three in a row. In their last 10 meetings, France have four wins while Ireland have won six times. Importantly, France have won their last two meetings with the Irish at home.

France Form

France were one of the favoured teams to go on and win the World Cup in their own backyard last year, with the home team in scintillating form.

However, they ultimately fell to eventual world champions South Africa in a gripping 29-28 loss that saw the side knocked out in the quarter-finals. While South Africa were sublime across the tournament, the entire French public would have been incredibly disappointed to have seen their side knocked out.

Now, France turn their attention to building towards the 2027 World Cup. The omission of Antoine Dupont as he looks to make his way in Sevens rugby is a big loss. The captain and scrum-half was able to turn a game on its head at a moments notice, and his deputy Maxime Lucu has huge shoes to fill.

While France will not likely be at their flowing best, they have the chance to face an Irish side that is playing without Johnny Sexton for the first time. This feels like it is the ideal time for both sides to play one-another.

Ireland Form

Ireland were also eliminated at the quarter-final stage of the 2023 World Cup as they saw their hopes of making it into the last-four for the first time dashed.

Their loss to New Zealand in a 28-24 defeat was agonising, and it spelt the end of talisman Johnny Sexton's career. Now, Ireland are looking to rebuild without their influential 10.

The main worry for Ireland is that they do not seem to have a fly-half that is really ready to take over. Whereas France have willing and experienced deputies for Dupont, the Irish are still searching for their best 10. If France can get under the skin of whichever 10 Andy Farrell chooses, it would be a huge psychological boost for the home side.

Verdict

France v Ireland

I am backing France to secure the win in this one as they make it three in a row at home. Their last two home wins have been by six points and eight points, so I am backing another win by seven points or less.