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France vs New Zealand Prediction & Betting Tips - Rugby World Cup
by Devesh Jaganath in Rugby World Cup Predictions
The eagerly awaited opening match of the 2023 Rugby World Cup will take place this Friday as the host nation France face off against New Zealand. Stade de France will come to life as these rugby powerhouses collide in what should be a titanic battle between the third and fourth-ranked nations in the world, respectively. Jonathan Danty, Romain Ntamack, Paul Willemse, and Cyril Baille have all been ruled out of this match through injury for France. The hosts were the pre-tournament favourites since markets opened earlier this year. However, they have slipped to second place according to most bookmakers, following a fairly average build-up to the tournament. Les Bleus relinquished the Six Nations title to Ireland earlier this season and saw their 12-match winning streak brought to an end in that tournament. During the World Cup warm-up matches, they were also beaten by Scotland 25-21 at Murrayfield and eeked out a three-point win a week later in Saint-Ettiene. Still, with the home crowd advantage, the French are the marginal favourites to win this crucial opening match.
New Zealand were the side that overtook France into second place in the world ranking after they secured their third consecutive Rugby Championship a couple of months ago. The All Blacks won the shortened competition of the Southern Hemisphere heavyweights, unbeaten in their three matches. At that point, New Zealand were on a 10-match unbeaten streak. However, since then, it has been a bit of a different story. They took on a struggling Wallabies at home and managed an uncomfortable three-point victory and were handed a record-breaking defeat by the Springboks at Twickenham two weeks ago. Adding to their concerns is the exclusion of Brodie Retallick, Shannon Frizell, Jordie Barrett and Tyrel Lomax, who are all carrying injuries. Nevertheless, the three-time champions can never be counted out of any match. It wouldn’t surprise us to see them win this one in a hostile environment.
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France vs New Zealand Form
France and New Zealand's standings in the Rugby World Cup
| Teams | Pts | P | W | D | L | GD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
18 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 178 |
|
2
|
15 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 206 |
France and New Zealand Last Matches
5/6 (83%)
0/6 (0%)
1/6 (17%)
27 Aug 2023 - Test Matchs
19 Aug 2023 - Test Matchs
12 Aug 2023 - Test Matchs
5 Aug 2023 - Test Matchs
18 Mar 2023 - Six Nations
11 Mar 2023 - Six Nations
6/6 (100%)
0/6 (0%)
0/6 (0%)
27 Aug 2023 - Test Matchs
19 Aug 2023 - Test Matchs
12 Aug 2023 - Test Matchs
18 Mar 2023 - Six Nations
26 Feb 2023 - Six Nations
20 Nov 2022 - Test Matchs
4/6 (67%)
0/6 (0%)
2/6 (33%)
5 Aug 2023 - Test Matchs
11 Mar 2023 - Six Nations
11 Feb 2023 - Six Nations
5 Feb 2023 - Six Nations
11 Mar 2022 - Six Nations
26 Feb 2022 - Six Nations
4/6 (67%)
1/6 (17%)
1/6 (17%)
25 Aug 2023 - Test Matchs
4 Aug 2023 - Test Matchs
29 Jul 2023 - The Rugby Championship
15 Jul 2023 - The Rugby Championship
19 Nov 2022 - Test Matchs
13 Nov 2022 - Test Matchs
3/6 (50%)
0/6 (0%)
3/6 (50%)
25 Aug 2023 - Test Matchs
4 Aug 2023 - Test Matchs
15 Jul 2023 - The Rugby Championship
16 Jul 2022 - Test Matchs
9 Jul 2022 - Test Matchs
2 Jul 2022 - Test Matchs
3/6 (50%)
1/6 (17%)
2/6 (33%)
29 Jul 2023 - The Rugby Championship
19 Nov 2022 - Test Matchs
13 Nov 2022 - Test Matchs
5 Nov 2022 - Test Matchs
20 Nov 2021 - Test Matchs
13 Nov 2021 - Test Matchs
France vs New Zealand Stats: Head to Head (H2H)
20 Nov 2021 - Test Matchs
Players list
Substitutes
France - New Zealand Key Points
- France have only beaten New Zealand once in their last 15 meetings
- In their last 24 meetings dating back to 2000, France have only beaten France by a margin of seven or more points on one occasion
- New Zealand have won 11 of their last 12 matches in all competitions
- New Zealand have won 19 and drawn one of their 27 matches against this opponent in France
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Our France vs New Zealand Prediction
The All Blacks will know that a hostile atmosphere awaits them in Paris, but their experience on the big stage will be a crucial factor here. While they are the underdogs, New Zealand always tend to turn up in World Cup competition, and we expect no different this time. Even if they were to lose this opening match, it won’t be by much. Therefore, our France vs New Zealand prediction: Handicap New Zealand +7.5.
All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
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