Six Nations showdown with England, Ireland, Wales holding title hopes

England v France
By the time they kick-off, Stuart Lancaster’s men will know exactly what is required. They are odds-on at 2/9 to beat France, at what is expected to be a full-to-capacity, raucous Twickenham.

Last year, it was Ireland who played last in similar circumstances, and just got over the line, with a narrow 22-20 victory to break English hearts to just win the Six Nations on goal difference.

George Ford was irrepressible in the win against Scotland, scoring and dictating the game throughout. He is 11/2 to cross anytime again, while Jonathan Joseph, who has been outstanding in his debut Six Nations campaign, has great value odds of 11/8 in the same market. For England to win and the player to score, take outstanding 15/8 odds.

For the visitors, Yoann Huget could be their best hope, and is 14/1 for the first try.

Lancaster has said he doesn’t want his players to worry about maths, but just to go out and play their natural game. “To win at Twickenham would mean a huge amount – for the players and the fans,” he said.

“I know how much hard work people have put in and also how much it hurt to come second for three years in a row. But you can’t start thinking about things like that until you get the detail of the game right. We’ve got a huge challenge coming our way from France.

“They’re a high-quality team – very big and physical. As they showed last year when they played Ireland, they played right through for the full 80 in that last game even though they couldn’t win the Championship.

“It could still be the case they have something to play for, so we won’t start dreaming yet, we’ll get our detail right.”