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

Prediction published on 25/09/2025, 07:30  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 26/09/2025 at 06:21 in Women's Rugby World Cup Predictions

After winning six of the last seven Women's Rugby World Cups, New Zealand are only in the bronze medal game this year. The Black Ferns will be taking on France as the two teams battle it out for third place. Here's our match prediction.

New Zealand were attempting to win the trophy for a third successive tournament. They began well by topping their pool with three wins over Spain, Japan and Ireland, scoring at least 40 points in each game.

The quarter-finals saw them defeat South Africa but their world title was lost in the semi-finals. New Zealand were beaten 34-19 and for only the third time in Women's Rugby World Cup history the Black Ferns failed to reach the final.

France have only won five of the 12 internationals they have played against New Zealand. Their most recent meeting was last October with New Zealand winning by a 25 point margin. While their opponents are playing in this third/fourth place play-off, it's a totally different story for France.

This is the seventh successive World Cup in which they have played at this stage, finishing third five times. After winning their pool with wins over Italy, Brazil and South Africa, they beat Ireland in the last eight before losing their semi-final to England.

We tip New Zealand to win on a -9 points handicap.