Champions Ireland kick off their Grand Slam defense with a tough away match against France to start the 2024 Six Nations. Led by Andy Farrell, Ireland seeks to replicate their flawless previous year, facing a formidable challenge from France, who come off a strong World Cup quarter-final finish.
Match: France vs Ireland
Date: 02/02/2024
Time: 8 pm GMT
Venue: Stade Velodrome in Marseille
These predictions for the France vs Ireland – Six Nations 2024 – Clash were made by Bookmaker Ratings Tipster, Raphael Sebastian. For more predictions on the NPFL, UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, Premier League, Bundesliga, Serie A, La Liga and other European football leagues, visit our Football Predictions & Betting Tips page.
In this highly anticipated clash between rugby giants France and Ireland, Andy Farrell’s side enters as the clear favorite against the host nation. While Ireland secured a convincing 32-19 victory over Les Bleus in their last encounter in February 2023, the head-to-head stats slightly favor France, boasting three wins in their last four meetings. With both teams missing key players, Ireland is determined to defend their Grand Slam title at any cost.
Predicted outcome: France 20-35 Ireland. We expect to see a fiercely contested match with Ireland emerging as favorites against Les Bleus.
In the upcoming Six Nations 2024 showdown between France and Ireland, history tilts in favor of France. These teams have clashed 17 times since their first meeting in the 2007 Six Nations, where France edged a 20-17 victory. In their recent five encounters, France has secured three wins while Ireland has triumphed twice.
France enters the match with a strong record, winning five of their last six games across all competitions. Their only loss came against South Africa in the Rugby World Cup 2023 quarter-finals, where they narrowly fell 28-29. With ten championship titles to their name, France boasts a significant pedigree in the tournament, surpassing Ireland’s count by at least six.
On the other hand, Ireland heads into the contest with a commendable record, winning five out of their last six matches in all competitions. Their sole defeat occurred against New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup 2023, where they lost 28-24. The Irish team, seeking to defend their Six Nations Championship after a flawless run last year, will be determined to make their mark once again.
Ireland
Mack Hansen and Jimmy O’Brien are sidelined with shoulder and neck injuries, respectively. The wing position sees Calvin Nash, Jordan Larmour, and Jacob Stockdale contending for the 14 shirt.
France
Meanwhile, France will miss Dupont, with Maxime Lucu expected to step in at scrum-half. Mathieu Jalibert remains at fly-half in the absence of Romain Ntamack. Emmanuel Meafou’s injury rules him out of his anticipated debut, impacting the French forward pack.
France
J.Marchand, P. Mauvaka, P. Willemse, C. Ollivon, R. Taofifenua, S. Taofifenua, R. Wardi, C. Woki, L. Bielle-Biarrey, J. Danty, N. Depoortere, G. Fickou, E. Gailleton, A. Gibert, M. Jalibert, M. Jaminet, N. Le Garrec, M. Lebel, M. Lucu, Y. Moefana, D. Penaud, T. Ramos, E. Abadie, D. Aldegheri, G. Alldritt, U. Atonio, C. Baille, G. Barlot, P. Boudehen, F. Cros, P. Gabrillagues, M. Halagahu, A. Roumat, T. Laclayat
Ireland
J.Ryan, D. Sheehan, T. Stewart, N. Timoney, J. van der Flier, B. Aki, H. Byrne, C. Casey, J. Crowley, C. Frawley, J. Gibson-Park, R. Henshaw, H. Keenan, J. Larmour, J. Lowe, S. McCloskey, C. Murray, C. Nash, G. Ringrose, J. Stockdale, R. Baird, F. Bealham, T. Beirne, J. Conan, C. Doris, T. Furlong, C. Healy, I. Henderson, R. Kelleher, J. Loughman, J. McCarthy, P. O’Mahony, T. O’Toole, A. Porter
TV Channel: ITV1