France vs Fiji Prediction: Fiji to run out of steam in Saint-Denis

Fiji look set for a tough night at the Stade de France on Saturday (20:10, TNT Sports 2) when they face Six Nations champions France in the Autumn Nations Series.

Alex Jack provides his best bets in his France vs Fiji prediction piece, as well as all the essential team news and match odds for the showdown in Saint-Denis.

Team News

France start with a front row of Jean-Baptiste Gros, Julien Marchand and Regis Montagne, with locks Charles Ollivon and Emmanuel Meafou in the second row.

Anthony Jelonch, Oscar Jegou and skipper Gregory Alldritt complete the pack, while Maxime Lucu and Romain Ntamack start in the half-backs.

Pierre-Louis Barassi and Nicolas Depoortere combine in the centres, while France have a formidable back three of Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Damian Penaud and Thomas Ramos.

As for Fiji, the tourists go with Eroni Mawi, skipper Tevita Ikanivere and Mesake Doge in the front row.

Isoa Nasilasila and Temo Mayanavanua start in the engine room, with Pita Gus Sowakula, Elia Canakaivata and Viliame Mata in the back row.

Simione Kuruvoli and Caleb Muntz start in the second row, with Josua Tuisova and Kalaveti Ravouvou in the centres.

Jiuta Wainiqolo, Selestino Ravutaumada and Salesi Rayasi form the back three for the Pacific Islanders.

France vs Fiji Odds

France are the overwhelming favourites at 1/40 for the victory, while Fiji are currently the 11/1 underdogs to cause an upset at the Stade de France.

A draw is available at 33/1, while Fiji with a +10.5 first-half handicap is currently 20/21.

France -25 handicap @ 21/20

Fiji were very competitive in the first half of their defeat against England last weekend, trailing the hosts 14-13 at the break.

However, the Pacific Islanders struggled to get going following the break and after the hour mark, there was only going to be one winner.

England went on to win 38-18 and a similar margin of victory for the French might well be on the cards on Saturday.

France have a monstrous pack taking the field this weekend, that should be able to match the Fijians at the breakdown.

With a world-class back three, France can put together an 80-minute performance that can see them overcome the -24 handicap this weekend.

Thomas Ramos anytime tryscorer @ 6/4

While France’s pack will do plenty of the grunt work up front, there should be plenty of space for the French backs out in the wide channels, especially as fatigue hits the visitors late on.

Ramos has six Test tries in his career to date and the Toulouse star looks to be good value to touch down on Saturday to add what should be a big points haul on the night for the French goalkicker.

Click here for the latest Rugby Union Odds

Find more Rugby Union Betting Tips here at Betfred Insights