The 2026 Six Nations kicks off this Thursday with a blockbuster as the defending champions France host Ireland in Paris. We look at the match from a betting angle and offer up a couple of suggested bets for consideration.
Outright Betting – click here to bet
France are the 1.75 favourites to win the Six Nations with Ireland 3rd in the betting at 8.00.
There are a host of markets including lowest scoring match where this fixture is trading at 7.50
France
France closed out their 2025 season with six wins from eleven matches, highlighted by their Six Nations title, secured despite a single defeat away to England in Round Two. They followed this up with a challenging tour of New Zealand, where a largely second-string squad was sent and lost all three Tests.
In the November internationals, France showed their depth by winning two of three matches, beating Australia and Fiji before falling to South Africa.
For the Six Nations opener, France have named a strong and experienced side. Antoine Dupont returns to the starting XV, while arguably the form flyhalf in world rugby, Matthieu Jalibert, starts at No.10. There are, however, a few notable omissions, most prominently Damian Penaud, who misses out on selection this week.
Overall, France appear well prepared and well balanced, with plenty of quality across the park despite a handful of surprise absentees.
France Starting XV
15 Thomas Ramos, 14 Theo Attissogbe, 13 Nicolas Depoortere, 12 Yoram Moefana, 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 10 Matthieu Jalibert, 9 Antoine Dupont (c), 8 Anthony Jelonch, 7 Oscar Jegou, 6 Francois Cros, 5 Mickael Guillard, 4 Charles Ollivon, 3 Dorian Aldegheri, 2 Julien Marchand, 1 Jean-Baptiste Gros
Replacements: 16 Peato Mauvaka, 17 Rodrigue Neti, 18 Regis Montagne, 19 Hugo Auradou, 20 Emmanuel Meafou, 21 Lenni Nouchi, 22 Baptiste Serin, 23 Kalvin Gourgues
Ireland
Although Ireland recorded a stronger win–loss record than France in 2025, many would argue that, by their own high standards, it was a slightly underwhelming year. They played eleven matches, winning eight and losing three.
Their Six Nations campaign saw them finish third, with their only defeat coming against France in the penultimate round. During the summer, Ireland’s schedule was affected by the British and Irish Lions tour, with many frontline players unavailable. As a result, they faced several Tier Two nations and fielded a largely experimental squad.
In the November internationals, Ireland played four matches, suffering defeats to New Zealand and South Africa, while recording wins over Australia and Japan.
Head coach Andy Farrell has named an exciting and slightly refreshed side for the opener, featuring several changes to the usual Irish setup. Jacob Stockdale returns on the wing, while Garry Ringrose partners Stuart McCloskey in midfield, with Bundee Aki missing out. Young flyhalf Sam Prendergast is backed again at No.10, with Jack Crowley providing cover from the bench.
In the front row, Jeremy Loughman earns his sixth cap at loosehead, with Thomas Clarkson starting on the tighthead side. Caelan Doris will lead the side from No.8, captaining Ireland from the back of the scrum.
Ireland Starting XV
15 Jamie Osborne, 14 Tommy O’Brien, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 11 Jacob Stockdale, 10 Sam Prendergast, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Caelan Doris (c), 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Cian Prendergast, 5 Tadhg Beirne, 4 Joe McCarthy, 3 Thomas Clarkson, 2 Dan Sheehan, 1 Jeremy Loughman
Replacements:16 Rónan Kelleher, 17 Michael Milne, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 James Ryan, 20 Jack Conan, 21 Nick Timoney, 22 Craig Casey, 23 Jack Crowley
Head-to-Head
France have enjoyed the upper hand against Ireland in recent seasons, winning three of the last five meetings between the two sides. When they met last year, France produced an impressive away performance, winning 42–27 in Dublin. However, the previous meeting in France saw Ireland dominate, running out 38–17 winners.
Betting and Verdict – click here to bet
France are favourites to win this weekend, trading at 1.18 while Ireland are trading at 6.00 for the win. The draw is currently at 36.00.
Handicap: France -14.5
France look extremely strong on paper, and it will require a major performance from Ireland to challenge them. That said, Ireland have an outstanding record in this competition, having won every opening-round fixture since 2022. This suggests they are usually well prepared early in the tournament.
For that reason, I expect a more competitive contest than the handicap suggests.
Suggested bet: Handicap, Ireland [+14.5] at 1.87
Points Market
Each of the last four meetings between these sides has produced 51 points or more. Last year’s clash delivered a remarkable 69 points, while the 2024 fixture finished with 54.
With both teams naming attack-minded lineups and possessing dangerous backlines capable of scoring from anywhere, another high-scoring encounter looks likely.
Suggested bet: Total points over 50.5 at 1.91
Click here for all betting on Ireland v France match
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Note: All prices correct at time of posting but subject to change.
