Rugby
2023-09-09 - France vs New Zealand
A Sports Betting Pick by Stu
Rugby World Cup : France
Saturday 9th September 2023 - KO 0515 AEST
France
France have never won the world cup despite being in 3 world cup finals since the first global tournament was held in 1987.
France lost to NZ in NZ in the very first world cup 29-9, lost to Australia 35-12 when Wales hosted the cup and France's last appearance was again in NZ in 2011 going down in a nail-biter 8-7.
This is France first time hosting and after 3 failed attempts at claiming the title this tournament is the home sides best opportunity to do so. France have had a average build up to this tournament where they lost to Scotland, 25-21 and then beat the same opponent in less than convincing fashion 30-27, then claimed victories Fiji and Australia.
New Zealand
New Zealand All Blacks will have their hands full against a relentless French side who want nothing more than to claim this elusive title.
After an unbeaten run of 4 matches to start the world cup build up, the victories coming against Australia twice, Argentina and South Africa the New Zealand team were looking a very good chance of claiming a record fourth title.
That all came crashing back to earth in their last outing at the neutral venue of Twickenham when old foes south Africa put on a record score of 35-7 to leave the New Zealand wondering how this world cup might pan out?
Odds
The Bookies cannot separate the teams, $1.95 to $1.95, the line is 1 point in favour of France and total points is 48.5
The Betting Verdict
What a thrilling encounter we have set to open the Rugby world cup with France the hosts of the Tournament in a sold out Stade de France stadium welcoming the 3 time champions and number 4 ranked team in the All Blacks. The organisers cold not have hoped for a better draw card than this match up and could be a tournament deciding result considering the likely cross over quarter final prospects of Ireland a South Africa who are ranked 1 and 2 in the world respectively.
It will be a cauldron of noise and the home fans will attempt to drown out the Haka and disrupt the visitors communication. NZ come into the tournament as 3 time champions only matched by South Africa who also have 3. In fact there has only ever been 4 countries that have won the title. The others are Australia with 2 and England won their home tournament for their sole Webb Ellis Trophy.
Both countries have had disruption to their backline with key mid fielders out for both teams. The biggest outs are Jordie Barrett for NZ and Jonathan Dainty out for France – both men are big bodies and have enough speed and skill to trouble any defence, however, both coaches have named the strongest possible line ups for the opener on Saturday.
The overall record between these world cup heavy weights is well in favour of New Zealand, 13-48. However France at home and hosing their first ever world cup will be much more difficult prospect so it is no surprise to see the odds set as they are.
As this is so close picking the winning outcome here is a flip of the coin, the French would have learnt a lot by watching how South Africa's defensive line was up so quickly and given their immense passion I am sure they will try to emulate that type of play.
New Zealand despite the one most recent loss have been in great form and are 4-1 through 2023, they are more than capable of claiming the French scalps but it will be a close one that should make 1-12 options the way to go.
That being said, I suspect we will see all out defence here with neither team wanting to lose their opener and with that probable defensive mindset my best play here is to take the combined points under 48.5 points returning $1.90.
Option of bets like New Zealand to win by 7 and suggested first try scorer of Will Jordan are possible too.
The Pick :
France 15-22 New Zealand
FIXED ODDS BETTING TIP :
Take Total combined points under 48.5 points returning $1.90 with Bet365
