Ireland can overcome France in Paris

The big question for sports fans in Ireland this weekend is how good is the Rugby Union team and what else will happen in the 6 nations. Last week there were no real surprises in two of the games with Ireland brushing aside Italy and France overcoming an improving Scotland but the England – Wales match could have had a quite different outcome apart from a single sin bin incident which changed the game; so where does that leave us for this weekend? The boys in green do not have a very good record in France but they have not yet been tested and with Ronan O’Gara back in form anything could happen especially as the French are without Aurelian Rougerie, Luc Ducalon and Benjamin Fall and then there is the Thierry Henry factor, not that our boys need any more motivation but it would be sweet. We think it will be very tight and the best odds seem to be at Bwin who are offering 19/10 for an Irish victory or 4/5 with a 6.5 point start. 7/4 is widely available at Ladbrokes or Paddy Power and both offer 10/11 with a 5 point start. In the other games Wales are clear favourites to beat Scotland and are 1/5 across the board but if you fancy Scotland to cause an upset you can get 4/1 at Bwin with an 11.5 point start. England versus Italy is not really a betting opportunity  unless you think England will take the foot of the gas once they have a few points in hand but even then around 10/11 for Italy with 14 point start with Ladbrokes is not over generous.

One thing  for sure is that this weekend will show us how good Ireland really are.