Adam Williams presents his prediction for the Six Nations Championship match.
This is not only the most significant match of Round 4 but also the decisive clash of the entire tournament. A win for Ireland would all but secure a historic third consecutive title, while a French victory would significantly improve their chances of lifting the trophy.
Ireland
Home advantage could prove crucial for Ireland. At the Aviva Stadium, since 2021, they have won 24 out of 26 matches. Their first defeat in that period was against France in the 2021 Six Nations Cup (13:15), but after that, the Irish team maintained a 20-match winning streak until losing to the All Blacks (13:23) in November 2024. However, this current Ireland side is a different beast, having established itself as the world’s No.1 team in recent years.
France
The return of Antoine Dupont has revitalised France, as the scrum-half’s game-changing presence has been evident in dominant wins over Wales (43:0) and Italy (73:24). While they steamrolled the weaker sides, they struggled against England (25:26) in London in a match that highlighted their vulnerabilities in tight contests.
Ireland vs France Prediction
This is a clash of fine margins, with little separating the two teams. Backing a winner is a high-risk move, as a single moment of brilliance or an individual error could decide the outcome. However, Ireland’s home record and resilience in close games make them a strong bet to cover the spread.
