New Zealand vs France Prediction: Ioane and All Blacks to wreak havoc

The All Blacks welcome France to Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin for a Test encounter on Saturday (08:05 BST, Sky Sports Main Event), and it promises to be a stern examination for a Les Bleus squad containing no fewer than eight uncapped players.

New Zealand skipper Scott Barrett insists the touring French outfit deserves the utmost respect, even accounting for their collective inexperience, but it looks a tall order for the northern hemisphere side. Read on for my New Zealand vs France predictions, complete with the latest odds and team news.

Team News

The All Blacks have thrown a couple of curveballs as boss Scott Robertson hands Test debuts to Netherlands-born Fabian Holland at lock alongside captain Scott Barrett as well as Crusaders No.8 Christian Lio-Willie, who wasn't even named in the original squad for the three-Test series.

Regular centre Rieko Ioane will start on the left wing to accommodate Hurricanes star Billy Proctor at No.13, while Chiefs lock Tupou Vaa'i has been picked at blindside flanker and Ardie Savea at No.7. Beauden Barrett starts at out-half with brother Jordie next to him at inside centre.

Rugby Union Odds

The French squad comprises 20 uncapped players out of a total of 42 tourists, with a host of top talents left at home, owing to injury or the long European season. Eight uncapped players make the matchday squad, with five named to start in Dunedin.

Gael Fickou, who captains the side, and to an extent, Mickael Guillard, could be considered first-choice selections.

The latter combines with Killian Tixeront and one of the debutants, Alexandre Fischer, in the back row. The other rookies to start are lock Tyler Duguid, prop Giorgi Beria, out-half Joris Segonds and wing Tom Spring.

New Zealand vs France Odds

The All Blacks are priced at 1/50 to defeat their inexperienced visitors, with a French win trading at 14/1, and the draw at 33/1.

The three-way handicap is set at 22 points, with New Zealand 10/11 to overcome it, France at 1/1, and the handicap tie at 25/1.

New Zealand -22 @ 10/11

While the official line from the likes of coach Robertson and skipper Scott Barrett has been one of respect for France, the Kiwi media hasn't shared that narrative.

Robertson warned of the 'intensity, flair, and physicality' Les Bleus will bring, but former All Blacks great Justin Marshall was less assured.

"It's a development team with a few senior players involved," he suggested, as coach Fabien Galthie insisted he had 'no other choice' in his team selection.

If the New Zealand rugby public feels the French have shown a lack of respect for these Tests, their team may well set about issuing a harsh lesson on the pitch.

Rieko Ioane anytime tryscorer @ 8/11

If the Kiwis are in the process of running in a decent score, expect Rieko Ioane to get in on the act.

The 28-year-old, who has been playing in the centres for the Blues, is named on the wing for this opening Test.

Ioane should be in a prime position to use his power to get in behind a French backline set for a long night on the South Island.

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