France vs Ireland Six Nations Betting Tips
France and Ireland kick off the 2026 Six Nations in what should be a sensational game under the lights at the Stade de France on Thursday.
The sides have battled it out for glory in recent years but look to be in contrasting positions, with the French casting aside some old favourites in favour of fresh talent.
Meanwhile, Ireland appear unsure on who should feature in key positions, while injuries are also hurting them.
The Irish are being written off, but Andy Farrell will have been drilling his players on his gameplan.
However, it is in the moments when the game opens up that the French play their best rugby, and they should thrive on Thursday.
France vs Ireland Betting Tips
France could be fantastique!
France -14.5 @ Evens
France against Ireland has become a rivalry, with the pair sharing the last four Six Nations titles.
The Irish won 39-17 when they met in Marseille in 2024, but Les Bleus got revenge with their 42-27 trouncing of Farrell's side last year in Dublin.
The real negative to come from that match was Antoine Dupont's knee injury, but he is back to captain the French and will be looking to inspire an opening victory.
Fabien Galthie has made some notable omissions from his squad for this tournament, but those coming into the team look really good.
It will be interesting to see how the French scrum performs in the first game since the sad news of Uini Atonio's retirement on medical grounds.
Ireland are also without their first-choice props and there is a fear they could be overpowered up front by the France pack, who can set a platform for Dupont's delicious back-line.
The disjointed nature of international rugby means teams often start tournaments slowly, but the French public expects fireworks, and Les Bleus could deliver.
Attissogbe can help France forget about Penaud
Theo Attissogbe to score a try @ 5/4
Among Galthie's biggest calls has been to exclude record try scorer Damian Penaud amid reported concerns over his defence and attitude in training.
Left-wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey topped the 2025 try scoring charts with a record eight scores but is odds on to go over on Thursday, so attention switches to the right flank and the player who has replaced Penaud, Theo Attissogbe.
Often featuring at full-back at club level for Pau, Attissogbe is an all-round back-three talent and scored three tries in last year's Six Nations, including a brace in France's opening win over Wales.
The 21-year-old has registered five tries in eight international caps and is tipped to add to that tally on Thursday.
Tigerish Tommy too often overlooked
Tommy O'Brien to score a try @ 11/4
Ireland's right winger is also a player to watch out for. Tommy O'Brien's career has been a slow burner, but at 27, the hard work is paying off and he belongs at the top.
After scoring four tries in his first two caps in July, a brace apiece against Georgia and Portugal, he went over again in the autumn win against Japan.
Mack Hansen's foot injury has opened the door for O'Brien and like his international colleague, he is a multi-faceted player who can give Ireland something different.
Potentially quicker than Hansen, he also shares some of the British & Irish Lions' skills, including an ability to read the game and the timing of when to go looking for work and when to stay wide.
France's width in attack makes an Irish intercept try a possibility, while O'Brien's nuggety nature also ensures he could force his way over.
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to change