France VS New Zealand Venue: Stade de France, Paris
France VS New Zealand Date: Saturday, November 17
BetXchange France VS New Zealand Odds:
History
Two of the best teams in the world over the last decade or so will clash at the Stade de France on Saturday as France hosts the mighty All Blacks.
France has played just once so far during this series of November internationals, a comfortable 52-12 win over Japan at this venue last weekend. New Zealand has been much more active, opening their series of matches with a 54-19 win over Japan in Yokohama as a bonus international on their way to Europe.
Since arriving in Europe, New Zealand has surpassed expectations. They gutted out a 24-22 win over England at Twickenham with a late Mark Tele’a try and Damian McKenzie conversion, then had perhaps their best performance in years as they beat favored Ireland 23-13 in Dublin last weekend behind the boot of McKenzie and his six penalties.
This matchup has historically favored of New Zealand. The two nations have met 63 times at all venues, with the All Blacks winning 48 of those clashes. The French have come out on top just 14 times, while there has been one draw.
The all-time points scoring backs up New Zealand’s dominance over France. They have scored almost double the total points of Saturday’s opposition, 1,634 to 858.
France
There is an exciting debut in the French team as Bordeaux flyer Romain Buros comes into the side at fullback. He replaces Leo Barre as one of four changes to the side that thumped Japan by 40 points last weekend.
Buros will be part of an exciting new back three, with winger Gabin Villiere also coming into the side alongside the retained Lois Bielle-Biarrey. This unit’s lack of international experience is a slight concern, but the three players all have frightening pace and youthful exuberance on their side.
At the other end of the experience scale, outside center Gael Fickou earns his 92nd cap for his country in a midfield pairing with Yoram Moefana. The appearance will see Fickou become France’s joint fourth-most-capped player of all time.
The axis is all Toulouse, with Thomas Ramos starting at No. 10 alongside the iconic Antoine Dupont in the halves.
New Zealand
McKenzie’s reward for his kicking heroics at the Aviva last Saturday is to be shifted to the bench this weekend. Beauden Barrett gets the nod at No. 10, while the versatile Will Jordan will start at fullback. Expect McKenzie to be deployed in one of those two positions to change the game late on.
Asafo Aumua impressed last week at hooker, but he drops to the bench to make way for veteran Codie Taylor who has worked his way back into contention after an injury. The back row sees Wallace Sititi dropping to No. 8, with Samipeni Finau coming in for the concussed Sam Cane on the blindside flank. Vice captain Ardie Savea will get the run on the openside of the scrum.
Best Bets
It is worth noting that while New Zealand has the edge historically, this has not been the case in recent years. France beat New Zealand at the Stade de France in 2021 and 2023, the last two Tests between the countries. They will go into this with their confidence high, as the myth of the All Blacks is in danger of being broken.
I like France to win this and take three in a row against New Zealand for the first time since 1994 to 1995 and for only the second time ever.
