Rugby
2023-10-15 - France vs South Africa
A Sports Betting Pick by Stu
Rugby : France : World Cup 2023
Monday 16th October 2023 - KO 0600 AEST
France
France will be aiming to continue their run towards lifting an historic World cup at home against a strong South African team at Stade de France on Sunday evening local time. After claiming the scalp of NZ in the opening fixture France rolled through the remaining teams in Pool A rewarding them with first place and a quarter final berth.
France have played with passion as you would expect from them in a world cup, looking in fine form along the way. Despite making 3 world cup finals over the years, have never won the cup. This match will provide a real litmus test for the hosts, win or go home, can France do it?
South Africa
South Africa finished second in pool B, Irelands defence proving too hard to crack in their only loss, 13-8. South Africa are the defending champions after winning in Japan 4 years ago and face a stern test here with a sellout stadium full of French supporters cheering the home team on. Other than their loss to the Irish, South Africa have beaten Scotland, Romania and Tonga comfortably on way to second.
South Africa is not piling on the points like other teams throughout the world cup averaging just under 38 ppg which places them 4th overall in this statistic, but do hold a very good record over the French 27-12 with 6 matches drawn.
Odds
France at home start as favourites, $1.80 to $2.30, the line 1.5 points and total points is 42.5
The Betting Verdict
A major boost for the French with halfback Dupont returning very early from a facial fracture just a couple of weeks ago. He is an integral part of the team, and the French are loving the fact he is back for this match and potentially the rest of the tournament depending on the result. there is no doubt that this is Frances best hope of claiming the trophy and this is the biggest stage to showcase what the home sides ability and best chances on home soil for the French for many years.
South Africa will know that this match is not going to e easy, the French have the best defence so far averaging just 8 points scored against through the 4 games played so far. South Africa did lose the last time these countries met, 30-26 the match being played in Marseille, however had won 7 in a row prior to that with 2 matches played in Paris, winning by 3 and 1 point.
This is a tough match to predict, both teams have strong squads and both could easily go on and win the cup with a victory here. For me though, I believe the home crowd could be the difference between the teams and the French defence holding out the South African attack to win a close one, 1-12.
The Pick :
France 20-18 South Africa
