Stan Hey: 6-5 Against
England can expose French pretensions
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.It's possible that England's rugby squad spent some time last night watching Al Murray on DVD, given the insults that French coach Marc Lièvremont had hurled England's way last week.
Borrowing some banter from The Pub Landlord could help in the scrum – "The Eiffel Tower, what's that about? All you can see from the top is Paris... it's a tragic waste of f***ing Meccano. They've lost it, the French."
Well, we'll know at 7pm tonight whether the French team have lost it in the meeting between the two unbeaten sides in the Six Nations Championship. In my estimation, the French realisation of England's new power came in their narrow 12-10 victory in Paris last year. England played fluent rugby and Ben Foden scored a scything try. A year on, England have developed an appealing balance: forwards who are mobile, backs with size as well as speed. I expect England to win – £20 at 4-9, generally – and £10 on the handicap (-7 points) at 5-4 with Stan James.
Patriotic expectations are a little lower for the ICC World Cup game against India tomorrow, England having played against the Netherlands as if they'd just stepped off the plane. A better performance is on the cards but India look stronger all round – £20 win at 1-2 with 32 Red.
Today's main race, the Racing Post Chase at Kempton, boasts a big field of promising jumpers and the money goes on Philip Hobbs' Quinz, £10 win at 7-1 (Ladbrokes).
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments