Australia vs France
After the excitement of the first test we can expect another nail-biter in this match. The second string French outfit pushed the near full strength Wallabies to the limit in the first test. It was only the lack of experience from French outfit that prevented them from winning. The clock was in the red and instead of kicking the ball out the French number 15 tried passing the ball and lost possession. The rest is history. The Aussies were 15-0 down but mounted a great comeback thanks to their replacements. The French team showed that they not afraid to attack from anywhere and this caught the Aussie team off guard. The man that was most dangerous was two try hero Gabin Villiere. This guy is electric especially in tight spaces and can break tackles like a slippery eel. The Aussies once again showed their struggles in attack as the halfback pairing could not link the backline. The over reliance of the Wallabies on Matt Toomua sparking the team was once again shown to be a flaw. The most surprising aspect was the home teams struggle at scrum time. They had a experienced full strength front row while the French had new caps and youngsters. The Aussie Coach Dave Rennie so famed for making his teams play fast running rugby will feel let down by his charges. He needs to understand that the personnel that he has picked may not be comfortable playing the running game. This is another chance for the young French players to stake their claims for the full strength national team.
TIP: The Aussie flyhalf Noah Lolesio was once again targeted by the opposition and his poor game management left a lot to be desired. They also have Jake Gordon at 9 and while he is a great attacking player his defence is poor. The French halfback pairing was superb and need lots of praise as it was their first match together. This match they will have a little more experience playing together and I expect them to be even better. The addition of Cameron Woki and Ibrahim Diallo into the starting line-up adds experience and more quality to the team. The bookies have the Wallabies as favourites once again and I am also tipping the home team to sneak a victory in this match. The best odds on the Wallabies victory are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.28, Playabets 1.25 and Sunbet 1.29
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Australia vs France
- Australia has won four of the last five meetings between these sides.
- The home team have never lost at home to France
- The last time the French won against the Australians was in 2014.
Latest results for both teams
Australia beat France 23-21 in their last match.
PREDICTION
The French have been the form team in Europe for a few seasons but lack the killer instinct especially when they have the lead. When they led by 15 points in the first test match they seemed to stop playing and tried to defend the lead. In this match the Wallabies need to get the ball to their wings Tom Wright and Marika Koroibete. These guys have great pace but are useless if they get no ball. The French on the other hand showed great flair and precision in getting the ball to their dangerous wings. The Wallabies were also guilty of not protecting the ball as they had numerous knock-ons that prevented them from gaining any fluency in attack. The play making skills of Louis Carbonel were excellent when the French attacked and they will want more of the same from him. I predict a Wallabies win by 3 points
- Probable Starting XVs
Australia
15 Tom Banks, 14 Tom Wright, 13 Hunter Paisami, 12 Matt To’omua, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Noah Lolesio, 9 Jake Gordon, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Michael Hooper (c), 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Matt Philip, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 James Slipper
France
15 Melvyn Jaminet, 14 Damian Penaud, 13 Arthur Vincent, 12 Jonathan Danty, 11 Gabin Villiere, 10 Louis Carbonel, 9 Baptiste Couilloud, 8 Anthony Jelonch (c), 7 Cameron Woki, 6 Ibrahim Diallo, 5 Cyril Cazeaux, 4 Pierre-Henri Azagoh, 3 Wilfrid Hounkpatin, 2 Gaetan Barlot, 1 Jean-Baptiste Gros
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Australian victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.28
Playabets 1.25
Sunbet 1.29
Odds comparison on the French handicap victory:
The complete odds on the French handicap victory:
Worldsportsbetting (+9.5) 1.90
Playabets (+9.5) 1.90
Sunbet (+8.5) 1.90
Predictions and Odds in details
The French showed the great depth in the last match and will no doubt be looking to cause an upset victory especially after strengthening their squad. The battle up front will again decide the match and the Wallabies finally looked strong in the forwards after the introduction of Taniela Tupou. The Coach has taken notice of his impact and has elevated him to the starting XV. The home team has a real attacking threat in number 9 Tate McDermott but inexplicably he is on the bench again. The Wallaby’s certainly have the advantage over the French on the bench. I expect the French to come out all fired up but once again I see the home team’s bench winning it for them in the last 20 minutes. There isn’t decent returns on the Wallaby’s win therefore I suggest the French on the generous handicap. The best odds for this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (+9.5) 1.90, Playabets (+9.5) 1.90 and Sunbet (+8.5) 1.90
Sports crazy fan that follows all major sport but the game with the oval ball is my real passion. Was an age level rugby coach and a huge supporter of the Springboks and diehard Liverpool man. I’m an experienced punter and sports writer whose predictions/tips are sure to stir up the emotions. I love the occasional wager on the underdog.
