Six Nations Round 4 preview: France to conquer Twickenham for first time in 18 years

We are now over halfway through the tournament with the winners and losers beginning to separate themselves. This weekend sees some of the best match-ups yet, and it will no doubt have huge repercussions not just for the Six Nations but looking ahead to the World Cup.

We preview the best of the action below.

Italy v Wales

Italy have been in stellar form over the last year, kicking off their Six Nations campaign with a very well contested battle against France which saw them keep Les Bleus within seven points for a bonus point defeat.

They head to the Stadio Olimpico as the EVNS underdogs, which as far as Italy are concerned is virtually being the 1/10 favourites. They won this fixture last year in Cardiff and on home ground will hope to crush a disorganised Welsh squad.

Warren Gatland has had a nightmarish Six Nations campaign, with Wales sitting last in the table on zero points. They have some young talent in their squad with the likes of Rio Dyer and Jac Morgan but they are struggling to adjust with the transition from their previous star squad.

Usually it’d be an easy bet on Wales at 5/6 against Italy, but given their respective good and poor form, it seems an equally matched game. Both defences are less than impressive under pressure, so backing over 47.5 points in the match at 10/11 seems a decent punt.

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England v France

Up next France travel to Twickenham for what should be another closely contested fixture. France have not won a Six Nations game at Twickenham since 2005 and this will be their prime opportunity to capitalise on their form and England’s selection uncertainty.

England will kick off as the 6/5 underdogs, despite Steve Borthwick taking a gamble by starting Marcus Smith ahead of Owen Farrell following Smith’s outstanding performance for his club, Harlequins, at the weekend. Farrell hasn’t started on the bench since 2015 and this shake up will test England’s depth and young talent.

France will still be licking their wounds after suffering defeat to world number one ranked Ireland in week two. Despite this, they bettered an in-form Scotland 32-21 in week three and may be shocked at how tight they are in the spread at -2 (10/11).

France’s usual weapons in Antoine Dupont, Gael Fickou and Charles Ollivon should be able to outclass their opposite numbers and put their hosts to bed, but England’s beefed up back line with Ollie Lawrence will bring much more physicality to the game, so it looks set to be a bruising encounter. It’s going to be a cracker, don’t miss it!

Scotland v Ireland

Ireland are on track for a Grand Slam victory in the tournament and they are the most comfortable favourites of the weekend at 4/11. Scotland will no doubt put up a valiant effort on home turf, but it seems unlikely they will have what it takes to beat this unreal Irish squad.

Andy Farrell’s men have crushed every opponent so far – including the French – and are leaps and bounds ahead of every team in the table on 15 points, with three bonus points. James Lowe and Mack Hansen are sure to wreak havoc in the wide channels and the Scottish defence will likely be unable to cope.

Scotland have been in-form this tournament, with their tails up after beating England at Twickenham early on. They put up a good fight against France last week, however they will be missing a huge player in Grant Gilchrist after his unfortunate red card last match.

At 21/10, the odds probably still aren’t generous enough to consider backing Scotland, however Scotland +7 at 10/11 seems a fair punt for those who fancy a close game. If this fixture won’t get Murrayfield going, what will?

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