Six Nations Betting: What Are The Odds Of A Grand Slam In 2022?
Daire Walsh
France are another step closer on their journey and, thanks largely to their performance at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh on Saturday, the odds on Les Bleus securing a Six Nations Grand Slam are shortening by the day on the best betting sites.
Fabien Galthié’s men were regarded as the most likely side to complete a clean sweep of Championship honours even before a ball was kicked and now UK bookmakers believe the clean sweep is theirs to lose in 2022.
Odds On France Winning The Grand Slam Starting To Shorten
While the prospect of no Grand Slam winner was previously the favoured option amongst the best betting sites for rugby union, that has now changed as a result of Galthié’s charges securing a 36-17 bonus point victory away to Scotland on Saturday.
Given the French lost out to the Scots on home soil in the final round of last year’s Six Nations – a result that denied them a shot at securing the Championship crown – this game was viewed as a potential banana skin.
Gregor Townsend’s Celts also had the added advantage of playing in front of 67,144 spectators in their nation’s capital, the vast majority being partisan home supporters.
A backlash was also anticipated from them following a disappointing second round reversal to Wales, but it was their opponents who came storming out of the blocks.
At present, Paddy Power are offering odds of 4/6 on France recording a Slam for the first time in 12 years.
Les Bleus Produce Impressive Display Against The Scots
Inside the opening 20 minutes, Paul Willemse and Yoram Moefana both crossed the whitewash to give France a strong platform early on. Scotland came into the contest with a try from Rory Darge, supplementing an earlier penalty from the mercurial Finn Russell who also converted his five-pointer.
The hosts were right back in contention, only for a Gaël Fickou try at the opposite end in stoppage-time to dent their confidence.
Buoyed by this score, France added further tries on the resumption through Damian Penaud (two) – greatly helping his Six Nations top try scorer prospects – and Jonathan Danty to ease their way towards a third consecutive win.
In comparison to their hard-earned 30-24 triumph over Ireland a fortnight earlier, this success really underlined France’s title credentials.
They have failed to secure a Six Nations or a Grand Slam since 2010, but the best bookmakers and rugby followers are seemingly both in agreement that this could be their year.
No Slam Winner Shouldn’t Be Ruled Out As An Option
While it is now the second favourite at 6/5 on bet365, the potential for there being no Grand Slam winner in this year’s Championship shouldn’t be dismissed lightly.
Given how long it is since they’ve done it – and the fact that the majority of the current squad weren’t even in professional rugby at the time – the weight of expectation around this French team is expected to grow in the coming weeks.
They have lost a number of tight games in recent years, including a 23-20 defeat to England at Twickenham Stadium in last season’s Six Nations.
Courtesy of a penalty from Matthieu Jalibert, Les Bleus had Eddie Jones’ men on the ropes in the London venue – leading 20-13 with just 30 minutes remaining from the clock. However, 10 unanswered points – including a try by Maro Itoje – ensured it was England who emerged triumphant.
This was one of only two wins the English registered in what was an instantly forgettable tournament from their point of view. They have already matched that tally in 2022, albeit they weren’t entirely convincing in disposing of Italy and Wales.
However, even if they don’t achieve a Grand Slam, they will still be heavily favoured in the 2022 Six Nations betting odds to claim the Championship.
England The Most Likely Party Poopers
Before they can focus on how to tackle England, France will try to negotiate a path past 2021 Six Nations winners Wales.
Galthié’s troops denied them a Grand Slam with a last-gasp victory at an empty Stade de France last year and while the Welsh have shown signs of life since a disappointing opening day performance against Ireland, it is felt they are a couple of steps off the French this year.
The Welsh odds of victory stand as high at 7/2 with Ladbrokes, which is pretty big considering Wales have to travel to Cardiff.
In Eddie Jones though, England have the kind of coach who would love to spoil a Six Nations party and this is one of the reasons why the chances of there being no Grand Slam winner has to be given due consideration.
It wouldn’t be a surprise if either eventuality came through, but it promises to be an exciting last couple of weeks of the Championship regardless of what happens from here.