Vastly changed French side to crash to defeat against Scotland
Published:A rousing last-gasp win in Rome on their last Six Nations appearance is not reason enough by itself to believe that Scotland can end their seven-year winless run against France.
Carrying that momentum will however be a governing factor, but aligned with France’s terrible form away from the Stade Francais and a raft of changes from coach Philippe Sant-Andre; the recipe for a momentous Scotland victory, looks a tasty one.
Such a victory at Murryfield can be backed at 9/4 with Ladbrokes, while punters are offered 4/11 for Les Bleus to spoil the Scottish feel-good factor.
Having been soundly beaten 27-6 in Wales in their first Six Nations test away from Paris in gameweek three, the weakness of French on their travels was ruthlessly exposed yet again.
Outmuscled up front and out thought by a dynamic Welsh outfit, France barely threatened the try line as they capitulated to a fourth straight away defeat by a margin of 10 points or greater.
Boding particularly well for Scot Johnson’s pack is the way Wales were able to dominate the scrum, which can give the Scots the same platform for victory at Murryfield.
With Yannick Nyanga and Thierry Dusautoir missing, Sant-Andre has made a huge call in dropping number eight Louis Picamoles as well, despite his deplorable show of dissent towards the referee at the Millennium Stadium.
Picamoles has scored three tries in his last eight Six Nations matches and given the French have been shorn of Morgan Parra and Wesley Forfana through suspension and injury, France will be arriving at Murryfield with nearly half of a new team.
Having hailed centres Matt Scott and Alex Dunbar as “world class” after the victory against Italy, Scotland can get the best out of the pair again at Murryfield alongside Stuart Hogg, who leads the tournament in offloads.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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