Adam Williams presents his prediction for the Six Nations Championship match.
One of the biggest clashes of the second round of the Six Nations, England vs France is a crucial fixture for both teams, as they aim for the top of European rugby.
England
England have not won the Six Nations since 2020, and their current squad do not look like a title-winning side just yet. Steve Borthwick is still rebuilding his team after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, making this tournament a testing ground for new ideas. According to media reports, Borthwick plans to start two natural fly-halves, Fin Smith and Marcus Smith, a move designed to inject creativity into England’s play. The idea is to move away from relying solely on physical dominance, which has been England’s hallmark for years. However, tactical experiments often carry risks, and against a disciplined and powerful French side, they could backfire.
France
France remain one of the favourites for the tournament and have a real chance of challenging Ireland for the title. Head coach Fabien Galthié has also made some adjustments, but his changes are more predictable and structured. With Romain Ntamack suspended following his red card against Wales (43:0), Matthieu Jalibert will step in at fly-half alongside Antoine Dupont, the heartbeat of the French team. Dupont was involved in three of France’s seven tries last week, showcasing his world-class playmaking ability.
England vs France Prediction
France humiliated England at Twickenham in the 2023 Six Nations, winning 53:10, one of the biggest defeats in England’s history. While such a scoreline is unlikely to be repeated, France remain the stronger side, and Steve Borthwick’s tactical gamble may prove costly.
