Former Irish flanker Stephen Ferris thinks that England and France will take their battle for the Six Nations title into the last weekend with victories over Wales and Scotland respectively.
Speaking to The Buildup Podcast with Ladbrokes, Ferris said that France might have to work hard for a win in Edinburgh but England would have no such problems at Twickenham.
Ferris has been hugely impressed by the French, who have been transformed this season after almost a decade of underwhelming performances.
France are the only side still capable of winning the Grand Slam after wins against England, Italy and Wales. Victory in Scotland will set them up for a Grand Slam decider at home to Ireland next weekend.
"They've been a joy to watch throughout this tournament and their endeavour and energy and hunger in defence has been brilliant," said Ferris.
"The French are a breath of fresh air this season to be sure.
"I fancy them to win. I'm not sure about the six-point spread. Again, what's the weather going to be like at Murrayfield? It was absolutely brutal up there when Scotland played England, so I'm going to go for a victory for France and I think it's going to be closer than people think. It'll be inside that handicap.
"Ì would go Scotland +6.5."
England need a big win against the Welsh to keep their Six Nations title chase alive and Ferris believes they'll beat the 13-point handicap.
"I think 90 per cent of the punters out there would probably say Ireland [are better than Wales] and yet, Ireland went down by 12 points and probably should have lost by a lot more. What's changed with Wales travelling to Twickenham?
"Why does everybody think that Wales and England are going to be a lot tighter than Ireland versus England was?
"Wales have got to match England's physicality, but that's easier said than done when you look at the England team sheet. I think that England are going to beat that handicap."
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