8th Sep 2011 | Rugby
Rugby World Cup Profile: France
We preview French chances in the Rugby World Cup with a recommended bet.
France
Pool A
World Ranking: 4
Odds to win: 16/1 (Paddy Power)
Verdict: The basket cases of European rugby can strut their stuff on a world stage. No worse than semi-finalists in the last four tournaments, on their day the French can be excellent. On other days, they can be dreadful. After a humiliating defeat against Italy in the Six Nations, coach Marc Lievremont was openly critical of his team. Having selected close to 100 players since he took charge, he seems no closer to the solution.
Form: Beat Ireland home and away in warm up games that told us very little. Paired in a group with the All Blacks they are likely to settle for a runners-up spot and a quarter final with England. Then anything could happen.
Recommended Bet: France to reach the semi-finals, evens with Coral.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 16:03 8th Sep, 2011 but subject to change
