Round 2 of the 2026 Six Nations competition continues Sunday with one match taking place as Wales host tournament favourites France. In this preview, we look at the match from a betting perspective and highlight a couple of potential angles.
Outright Betting Update – click here to bet
After the opening round, France have asserted themselves as clear favourites for the 2026 Six Nations, now trading at 1.44 following an emphatic start to the tournament. England sit next in the market at 3.00 and Ireland have drifted significantly to 34.00 from 8.00 after the heavy defeat to France in Round 1. Scotland (41.00) have also drifted after defeat to Italy (101.00) and Wales (201.00) would be happy to avoid the wooden spoon.
Wales
Wales endured a difficult start to the tournament, opening their campaign against England in Round 1. England burst out of the blocks, racing into a commanding 29–0 halftime lead. Matters were compounded for Wales when they conceded two yellow cards in the same minute during the first half, leaving them severely undermanned and allowing England to pile on the pressure.
There was some improvement after the break, with Wales managing to cross for a single try, but they still conceded a further 19 points, rounding off a tough opening outing that highlighted ongoing issues in virtually every area of the game.
Wales Starting XV
15 Louis Rees-Zammit, 14 Ellis Mee, 13 Eddie James, 12 Joe Hawkins, 11 Josh Adams, 10 Dan Edwards, 9 Tomos Williams, 8 Olly Cracknell, 7 Alex Mann, 6 Aaron Wainwright, 5 Adam Beard, 4 Dafydd Jenkins, 3 Tomas Francis, 2 Dewi Lake, 1 Rhys Carre
Replacements: 16 Ryan Elias, 17 Nicky Smith, 18 Archie Griffin, 19 Ben Carter, 20 Taine Plumtree, 21 Kieran Hardy, 22 Jarrod Evans, 23 Mason Grady
France
France made a perfect start to their campaign last weekend, securing a commanding 36–14 bonus-point victory over Ireland. After a tense opening period, Louis Bielle-Biarrey broke the deadlock before Matthieu Jalibert added a second, giving France early control.
They dominated the remainder of the first half, racking up 22 unanswered points while keeping Ireland scoreless. France picked up where they left off after the break, with Bielle-Biarrey grabbing his second try. Ireland showed some late resistance once benches were emptied, but Théo Attissogbe crossed late on to cap an emphatic French performance.
France Starting XV
15 Thomas Ramos, 14 Théo Attissogbe, 13 Émilien Gailleton, 12 Fabien Brau-Boirie, 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 10 Matthieu Jalibert, 9 Antoine Dupont, 8 Anthony Jelonch, 7 Oscar Jegou, 6 François Cros, 5 Michael Guillard, 4 Charles Ollivon, 3 Dorian Aldegheri, 2 Julien Marchand, 1 Jean-Baptiste Gros
Replacements: 16 Maxime Lamothe, 17 Rodrigue Neti, 18 Regis Montagne, 19 Thibaud Flament, 20 Emmanuel Meafou, 21 Lenni Nouchi, 22 Baptiste Serin, 23 Noah Nene
Head-to-Head
France have completely dominated this fixture in recent years, winning the last seven meetings between the sides. Wales’ last victory over France came back in 2019, edging a 20–19 win.
The most recent clash saw France demolish Wales 43–0 at home last year, while the last meeting in Cardiff ended in a 45–24 win for France.
Betting and Verdict
The bookies have France as heavy favourites to win this weekend, trading at 1.005 while Wales are trading at 23.00 for the win. The draw is currently at 76.00.
Handicap: Wales +31.5
France have scored 41 points or more in each of their last three meetings with Wales, and Wales conceded 48 points against England just last weekend. On that basis, it is difficult to see anything other than another high-scoring French performance. Given their current attacking form and Wales’ defensive struggles, France look well placed to clear the mid-40s once again.
Suggested bet: France Total Points over 44.5 at 1.91
My 2nd bet is on which position will score the 1st try. With perfect conditions under the roof I expect the French to get the ball out wide to the likes of Théo Attissogbe and Louis Bielle-Biarrey both of who have electric pace.
Suggested bet: Position to score the 1st try Number 11,14 or 15 at 2.50
Click here for all betting on Wales v France match
Note: All prices correct at time of posting but subject to change.
