Dismal France may prove value to prop up Six Nations table

France have begun their Six Nations campaign in nightmarish fashion, with defeats to Italy and Wales meaning they haven’t won in their last five tournament matches.

Somewhat surprisingly though, they remain available at a meaty 3/1 to finish bottom of the table by the competition’s end.

Italy are still 8/11 favourites to prop up the pile, but they have that aforementioned win over France to their name, and currently appear less disjointed than Les Bleus.

Phillipe Saint-Andre’s charges were most recently responsible for ending Wales’ eight-match winless run, and devoid of confidence, look like cannon fodder for upcoming opposition.

With their next fixture a trip to Twickenham to meet an England side with a 100% record, it looks like France’s run of Six Nations ties without victory will extend to at least six.

And Saint-Andre has begun to press the panic button somewhat, making five changes to the side that lost the opening two games of this campaign.

Whilst winger Vincent Clerc’s return from injury will be a big plus, the sheer volume of alteration being considered by Saint-Andre could be interpreted as a sign of desperation.

It is 9/4 that the switches aid France en route to victory in England, but it appears far more likely that patriotic punters will be rewarded to the tune of 1/3.

A trip to Ireland is unlikely to prove straightforward for France either, especially considering that Declan Kidney should have a number of his walking wounded back fit for the clash.

And a home bout with second-place Scotland looks certain to be tricky too, particularly if confidence remains as low as it currently is within the French ranks.

Thus, all things considered, 3/1 looks a hefty price regarding the French team finishing bottom of this season’s Six Nations table, and the price deserves punters’ serious consideration.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.