France vs New Zealand Prediction & Betting Tips - Rugby World Cup

Prediction published on 06/09/2023, 16:00  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 08/09/2023 at 07:15 in Rugby World Cup Prediction

The eagerly awaited opening match of the 2023 Rugby World Cup will take place this Friday as the host nation France face off against New Zealand. Stade de France will come to life as these rugby powerhouses collide in what should be a titanic battle between the third and fourth-ranked nations in the world, respectively. Jonathan Danty, Romain Ntamack, Paul Willemse, and Cyril Baille have all been ruled out of this match through injury for France. The hosts were the pre-tournament favourites since markets opened earlier this year. However, they have slipped to second place according to most bookmakers, following a fairly average build-up to the tournament. Les Bleus relinquished the Six Nations title to Ireland earlier this season and saw their 12-match winning streak brought to an end in that tournament. During the World Cup warm-up matches, they were also beaten by Scotland 25-21 at Murrayfield and eeked out a three-point win a week later in Saint-Ettiene. Still, with the home crowd advantage, the French are the marginal favourites to win this crucial opening match. 

New Zealand were the side that overtook France into second place in the world ranking after they secured their third consecutive Rugby Championship a couple of months ago. The All Blacks won the shortened competition of the Southern Hemisphere heavyweights, unbeaten in their three matches. At that point, New Zealand were on a 10-match unbeaten streak. However, since then, it has been a bit of a different story. They took on a struggling Wallabies at home and managed an uncomfortable three-point victory and were handed a record-breaking defeat by the Springboks at Twickenham two weeks ago. Adding to their concerns is the exclusion of Brodie Retallick, Shannon Frizell, Jordie Barrett and Tyrel Lomax, who are all carrying injuries. Nevertheless, the three-time champions can never be counted out of any match. It wouldn’t surprise us to see them win this one in a hostile environment.