France vs Scotland Prediction & Betting Tips - Test Matchs

Prediction published on 10/08/2023, 16:20  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 12/08/2023 at 07:05 in Rugby Predictions

After an eventful clash last weekend, France and Scotland are set to lock horns again, this time at the Geoffroy Guichard Stadium in Saint-Etienne on Saturday. Last week's encounter between these two teams was a game of two halves, and Fabien Galthie has rung in a substantial 13 changes to his starting lineup, signaling his intention to field a stronger side after their 25-21 loss at Murrayfield. Both teams were engaged in a tactical kicking battle during their first encounter, with France's approach focused on pushing the opposition into their own 22 and capitalizing on errors. A youthful French team, distinct from the Six Nations-winning lineup, took the Scots by storm in the first half, exhibiting a blend of precision, speed, and power, which resulted in three well-executed tries. However, they were unable to maintain it across the 80 minutes, with the Scots coming storming back in the second half. Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack, key players for France, will now return to the lineup, restoring the halfback partnership that promises to be instrumental in guiding the team's performance. France's lineup for this match reflects a blend of seasoned and emerging talents, with only Cameron Woki and Paul Boudehent retaining their positions from the previous match. 

Meanwhile, after being dominated in the opening 40 minutes last week, Scotland mounted an impressive comeback in the second half, narrowing an 18-point deficit and displaying a tenacity that has at times eluded them. The discussions at halftime, led by coach Gregor Townsend, played a pivotal role in galvanizing the Scottish team and sparking their turnaround. During the match, we saw Scotland's Finn Russell leading the charge with a carefully executed diagonal kick that led to a try, gradually shifting the momentum. The match also witnessed the application of the new Bunker review system, which resulted in a red card for Zander Fagerson. Scotland's victorious comeback was fueled by a strong second-half performance, with players like Pierre Schoeman and Jamie Ritchie making pivotal contributions. With the World Cup on the horizon, this rematch holds significant importance for both teams. France aims to reassert their dominance and solidify their preparations, while Scotland seeks to capitalize on their comeback victory and build momentum ahead of their clash with the Springboks. The Scots last won in France in the 2021 Six Nations and will be hoping for a similar result in this one.