Can England Cause a Rugby Betting Shock and Replicate Their World Cup Heroics?
England narrowly survived a major rugby betting shock in Italy a fortnight
ago and this week, they will be looking to cause a major upset themselves as
they face Six Nations favourites France.
Rugby betting punters were left clinging to the edge of their seats as they watched
England almost hand victory to the traditional tournament whipping boys, Italy, with
yet another below-par performance and Brian Ashton’s men fly to Paris as big
underdogs against the tournament leaders.
After defeat to Wales and the unconvincing performance in Rome, Ashton has once again
made changes, the most notable of which sees Gloucester and World Cup final scrum-half
Andy Gomersal replaced by Sale number nine Richard Wigglesworth who makes his first
start.
But despite recent performances and the sound of knives sharpening in the Twickenham
press box, England will travel across the Channel with optimism.
The 2003 World Champions were in a very similar situation at the last World Cup.
A fortuitous victory over the USA followed by a 36-0 debacle against South Africa
had rugby betting fans writing-off England’s hopes of passing the pool stage,
let alone reaching the World Cup final.
En-route to the final, England beat the hosts France 14-9 in the semi-finals - the last
meeting between the two sides and in the last Six Nations meeting, England claimed
a 26-18 victory at Twickenham.
Rugby betting punters may also decide that in the big game scenario, experience counts
and on Saturday afternoon, it will be very much the “old guard” against
the “young guns”.
Whilst the England squad is awash with experience, France coach Marc Lievremont has
named a youthful squad.
Morgan Parra, a 19-year-old from Bourgoin, 21-year-old Montpellier fly-half Francois
Trinh-Duc and Louis Picamoles at number eight have just five caps
between them. In the same positions, England have 78 caps.
Despite the experience advantage, it will still go down as a major rugby betting
shock if England can claim two points from the flamboyant French.
In the weekend’s other games, Ireland will be looking to bounce back from their
defeat in France as they welcome Scotland to Croke Park whilst the in-form Wales
are at home to Italy.
There’s once again some outstanding rugby union betting here at Blue Square
this weekend and don’t forget, Blue Square will refund any losing handicap
bet if the handicap ends in a draw – with no maximum stake. Terms
and conditions apply.
With such a fantastic feast of rugby and a great offer to boot, make sure that you
place your online rugby bet with Blue Square today.
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