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Scotland v France Betting

RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP – SCOTLAND v FRANCE BETTING – 26th OCTOBER

Scotland qualified for the 2008 World Cup as winners of Europe Group 1. They beat Wales 21-14 in Bridgend, in October 2006, and despite an 18-16 defeat by the same side in November 2007, qualified for the finals on points difference. France were awarded an automatic qualifying place for the 2008 World Cup finals. They are likely hot favourites for their opening Group B encounter which will probably determine the group winners, who will play the winners of Group C for a place in the semi-finals.

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In thirteen years of rugby league, Scotland have met France 5 times, winning twice. France were responsible for Scotland’s biggest ever defeat, 46-16 at Perpignan in October 2007.

TEAM NEWS / KEY PLAYERS

Scotland
Scottish coach, Steve McCormack, was greatly relieved by the news that Manly Sea Eagles’ winger Mick Robertson has not been included in the Australian World Cup party. Robertson capped an excellent NRL season with a hat-trick of tries in the Grand Final win over Melbourne and was a contender for inclusion in the Kangaroos’ squad. However, his omission leaves him free to represent Scotland, who have already lost Wigan winger Mark Calderwood to an England call-up. McCormack’s side is captained by Wakefield scrum-half Danny Brough and includes six further Super League players.

The squad also includes the Henderson brothers, Kevin (Wakefield second row / centre), Ian (New Zealand Warriors’ hooker) and Andrew (Castleford hooker). Coach McCormack had little hesitation in selecting Brough as skipper, highlighting his excellent season in the Super League and passion about playing for Scotland. He said of his captain, “I believe he will show the world of rugby league exactly what he can do on this, the biggest stage of all.” Assessing Scotland’s chances, McCormack added, “There is no doubt that we are the underdogs in our group but we are quietly confident that, as always, our pride and spirit will shine through in our performance.”

France
The French team arrived in Australia amid suggestions they could be a surprise packet at the 2008 tournament after steady improvement in three years under Australian coach, John Monie. However, Monie was anxious to play down his side’s status as “dark horses.” He said that he simply wanted France to be competitive, acknowledging they don’t have the depth to seriously challenge the likes of Australia, England and New Zealand. He pointed out that about half his players come from Super League side Catalan Dragons, while the remainder compete in domestic French competitions, leading to great disparity in the skill levels of the two groups of players. Monie considers it imperative that another French side be included in the Super League in the future, in order to enhance competition for places in the French national team. Toulouse are set to join the Super League competition next season. The French coach hopes that they can achieve promotion to the top-flight within a few seasons.

Monie’s hopes have been enhanced by Catalans prop Remi Casty avoiding suspension, having been found guilty of a reckless high tackle in the Super League semi-final defeat by Wigan. The offence could have led to four match ban, which would have ruled Casty out of the World Cup. However, the Rugby Football League disciplinary panel took into account Casty’s unblemished record and the precedent set when Bradford winger Semi Tadulala avoided suspension after being found guilty of a high tackle during the play-off defeat by Wigan. Casty was fined £500 and issued with a formal warning regarding tackling. With Casty’s team-mate, prop David Ferriol, failing to recover from injury, his inclusion in the 23-man final French squad came as a significant boost to the coach, prior to their opening group match in Canberra.