World Cup warm-ups

FRANCE V ENGLAND SKY SPORTS SAT 8PM

Now this is a tricky one as England wanted to put out a full strength side and then due to some errant insects have had to adjust while Bernard Laporte has publicly admitted he is shuffling his squad to give all game time.

Even so one stat from last week was stunning. France had 35% of the ball but scored two tries. This is a huge match for a few players as well including Andy Farrell.

However in Marseille where England lost 17-16 in the 2003 warm-up match one has to favour France – but at 2/7?

No I am going to back England for value at 5/2 but this is a trading position.

France can start poorly and with a few ring rusty players England could grab an early lead or at least remain hugely competitive till half-time.

WALES V ARGENTINA 2.30 PM SAT BBC

Now this is potentially a cracking game. Wales need to erase the shambles of a fortnight ago when their fifth??? string side was dismantled by England but in the Pumas they are coming up against a similar forward broadside.

And that has left the bookies nonplussed. Which Welsh outfit will turn up and which Latin lot will fire.

Hence Wales favourites at cicra 1.87 – that is basically a home call.

However, this is a match where we should not make judgment before watching some play. My plan is to trade this match properly as I think it could swing a lot between the two so I want to see both group of players- at least 10 minutes play and then I am looking to lay the odds-on side – hopefully when they are 1.5ish.

I have to remember that in all these matches there are differing agendas for the coaches so we do not want to get trapped into a bet that ignores a coaches ulterior motives!