France vs New Zealand Prediction: All Blacks can continue progress
Saturday evening will see France and New Zealand lock horns for the 64th time in a Test match, with the two rugby union giants meeting at the Stade de France (20:00, live on TNT Sports 1).
Les Bleus have won the last two meetings between the sides, but face an All Blacks team that look to have recovered from a disappointing Rugby Championship. Read on for my France vs New Zealand prediction, as well as the latest team news and match odds.
France vs New Zealand Betting Tips
Team News
France make four changes to their starting XV, with the hosts welcoming back fit-again full-back Romain Buros, while some younger players have also been given their chance.
Louis Bielle-Biarrey is one of those youngsters hoping to shine, with the 21-year-old winger seeking a ninth international try.
Another is prop Tevita Tatafu, who makes just his second senior appearance for France, having impressed in the 52-12 win over Japan.
The All Blacks have recalled veteran duo Beauden Barrett and Codie Taylor, while Scott Robertson has also reshuffled his back row, with the experienced Sam Cane missing through injury.
Ardie Savea will start at Number Seven, with Wallace Sititi playing at Number Eight and Samipeni Finau at blindside.
*Please click on the link above to be taken to the main France vs New Zealand page on betfred.com (or app) for all the live betting prices on this match.
With home advantage, France are the 4/5 favourites to take the victory from Saturday’s Autumn International in Paris.
New Zealand – currently ranked number two in the world – can be backed at 11/10, while the draw is available at 20/1.
Match Betting – New Zealand to win @ 11/10
Since suffering defeat in the World Cup final to South Africa last year, New Zealand have lost three of their last 11 internationals.
That run includes a 30-38 defeat to Argentina in Wellington in August, as the All Blacks finished second in the Rugby Championship standings.
However, following September’s 18-12 loss to the Springboks, coach Robertson looks to have turned things around with five victories in a row.
That run includes wins over both England and Ireland - the latter a 23-13 success at the Aviva Stadium last weekend.
Last year’s World Cup opener was only a 14th win for France in 63 meetings with New Zealand, while the French have been beaten by Ireland and Argentina in their last nine Tests.
Odds correct at time of publishing.
Total Points (Bands) – Between 41-50 Points Inclusive @ 13/5
The All Blacks, who won 14 straight Tests against France between 2009 and 2018, have averaged 35 points per game during their last five matches.
The points have also been flowing for Fabien Galthie’s hosts, who have scored 85 points in their last two home internationals – which includes a 52-12 success over Japan last week.
There has been an average of 54.3 points scored per game in the last six meetings between these two sides.
That includes a 40-25 success for the hosts in their last Autumn international meeting at the Stade de France, in November 2021.
While there might not be quite as many points scored this time around, it should still be an entertaining contest featuring between 41 and 50 points.
Odds correct at time of publishing.
Rugby Union Betting Tips from Betfred Insights.
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