The big day has finally arrived with the hosts, France kicking off the 2023 Rugby World Cup by facing the All Blacks in a blockbuster opening match. The winner of this match will almost certainly top Pool A unless something drastic happens. Three-time champions New Zealand are bidding to become the first nation to lift the Cup four times in the tenth edition of the global showpiece. France on the other hand is certainly the best team never to have won the title and they will be going all out to lift the Cup come October 28th in Paris.
TIP: Both teams are coming into the match with injury doubts over their inside centers. The potential loss of Jonathan Danty will disrupt the French more than the loss of Jordie Barrett would for the All Blacks. Danty is their primary ball carrier of their set pieces and they don’t have a like for like replacement for him. New Zealand have the experienced Anton-Lienert Brown that can come into the number 12 jersey. The bookies have France as favourites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.95, Gbets 1.95 and Hollywoodbets 1.95
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS
France vs New Zealand
- New Zealand have won 13 of the last 14 matches between the sides.
- France won the last match between the teams 40-25.
Latest results for both teams
France beat Australia 41-17 in their last match while New Zealand lost 37-7 to South Africa in their last match.
PREDICTION
The hopes of a nation rest with the French and their talisman Captain Anton Dupont. It goes without saying that he is best player on the planet and to beat his team, NZ will need to make sure he isn’t given too much time on the ball. Both teams have game breakers in their side with the visitors boasting the likes of Will Jordan and Mark Telea in their backline while the home side have world class wingers in Damian Penaud and Gabin Villiere. Despite all the talent in the backs, the match will be decided in the forwards and this is certainly an area the French have the advantage in. I am predicting a home win by 12 points.
Probable Starting XVs
France
15 Thomas Ramos, 14 Damian Penaud, 13 Gael Fickou, 12 Yoram Moefana, 11 Gabin Villiere, 10 Matthieu Jalibert, 9 Antoine Dupont (c), 8 Gregory Alldritt, 7 Charles Ollivon, 6 Francois Cros, 5 Thibaud Flament, 4 Cameron Woki, 3 Uini Atonio, 2 Julien Marchand, 1 Reda Wardi
New Zealand
15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Mark Telea, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Sam Cane (Captain), 6 Luke Jacobson, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Ethan de Groot
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the France victory are as follows:
Betway 1.95
Gbets 1.95
Hollywoodbets 1.95
Odds comparison on the France handicap:
The complete odds on the France handicap:
Betway 2.25 (-2.5)
Gbets 2.20 (-2.5)
Hollywoodbets 2.20 (-2.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are very good odds on the France outright win but if you looking for even better odds then we suggest the home team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 2.25 (-2.5), Gbets 2.20 (-2.5) and Hollywoodbets 2.20 (-2.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Waikato vs Wellington
Italy vs Namibia
Ireland vs Romania
Australia vs Georgia
England vs Argentina
South Africa vs Scotland
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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.
