Features

Les Bleus close in on Grand Slam

Author: Lynda Collins
Date: 20/03/2010
Rugby Union betting

Only an insipid England team stand in France's way of completing a first Grand Slam since 2004 after Les Bleus thrashed Italy at the weekend.

France will deserve their title if, as expected, they comfortably see off Martin Johnson's struggling side in Paris, as they have been the most consistent team throughout this season's Six Nations championship.

Marc Lievremont has refused to tinker with his squad, keeping a successful side largely intact, in sharp contrast to recent French campaigns when they chopped and changed to excess.

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Apart from the second half of the victory at the Millennium Stadium, when Wales threatened to knock them off their stride, the French have been imperious, never looking in any trouble during victories against Scotland, Ireland and Italy, as well as Warren Gatland's side.

It is highly unlikely that England will suddenly break free from the shackles that have once again stymied their progress when they face the champions-elect in the Stade de France.

Only in their unlikely run to the 2007 World Cup Final have England played with any confidence in the last seven years. In a momentous 2003, they won their last Six Nations title before securing their only World Cup but have not come close to earning a Grand Slam since.

Both Wales and Ireland have enjoyed their own perfect seasons in the last three years but both have flattered to deceive this time.

The Irish started the defence of their title by producing a limp display in the victory against Italy and were comprehensively beaten by France.

Although impressing in home wins against England and Wales, Ireland look certain to have to settle for a runners-up place if, as expected, they beat Scotland this weekend.

The Scots are the online favourites to finish with the wooden spoon but, in parts, Andy Robinson's team have given reason for optimism. They played some great stuff for more than an hour against Wales in Cardiff only to self-destruct in the closing stages and ground out a tedious draw with England at Murrayfield on Saturday.

A comprehensive home loss to France and embarrassing defeat in Italy were far from impressive, but Scotland have in some respects had a better campaign than both Wales and England.

Wales may have been entertaining but they could easily be going into this weekend's finale against Italy without a point to their name.

Only the dramatic last few minutes against Scotland stopped that becoming a reality but they played well for only one half of that game as was the case against England and France, before never really getting going at all in Ireland.

Finally, Italy have again not been embarrassed without really looking like making big inroads in the competition. They did at least beat Scotland and pushed England all the way but do not appear to have the flair or ingenuity to unlock the best sides' defences.

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