The 2025 mid-year international rugby fixtures continue this weekend with the first of three clashes between New Zealand and France, kicking off on Saturday, 5 July at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin. Below, we take a look at the match from a betting perspective and offer a suggested pick.
NEW ZEALAND vs FRANCE – click here to bet
New Zealand will play their first international of the year this weekend as they take on France. The All Blacks have named a powerful squad for the season, blending a core of seasoned veterans with a host of rising stars from the recent Super Rugby campaign.
While several young players are being introduced into the international setup, the team will rely heavily on its experienced players to provide leadership as they build toward the Rugby Championship.
By their high standards, New Zealand had a solid 2024 season, finishing with 10 wins and 4 losses from 14 matches. They faced their toughest challenges during the Rugby Championship, where they recorded three wins and three defeats. However, they finished the year strongly, winning six of their final seven fixtures.
New Zealand Lineup:
The All Blacks have opted for a balanced team that features some exciting new names along with their World Cup veterans. Scott Barrett captains the side from the front, with brother Beauden Barrett pulling the strings at flyhalf.
1.Ethan de Groot, 2.Codie Taylor, 3.Fletcher Newell, 4.Scott Barrett (Captain), 5.Fabian Holland, 6.Tupou Vaa’i, 7.Ardie Savea (Vice-Captain), 8.Christian Lio-Willie, 9.Cam Roigard, 10.Beauden Barrett, 11.Rieko Ioane, 12.Jordie Barrett (Vice-Captain), 13.Billy Proctor, 14.Sevu Reece, 15.Will Jordan.
Reserves:
16.Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17.Ollie Norris, 18.Pasilio Tosi, 19.Samipeni Finau, 20.Du’Plessis Kirifi, 21.Cortez Ratima, 22.Quinn Tupaea, 23.Damian McKenzie.
France arrives in New Zealand with five matches already under their belt in the 2025 season, though they’ve named a relatively inexperienced squad for this tour. This is largely due to their full-strength side having competed in the Six Nations earlier in the year, from January to March—where they performed superbly and went on to win the tournament.
Their campaign began in dominant fashion with a 43–0 shutout of Wales. Although they narrowly lost their second match 26–25 to England, they bounced back emphatically with a 73–24 demolition of Italy. This was followed by a 42–27 victory over Ireland, before wrapping up the title with a 35–16 win against Scotland in the final round.
French Lineup:
France coach Fabien Galthié has opted to include 8 uncapped French players in his match day 23, Gaël Fickou will take on the role of skipper. It is important to note that many of France’s star players are currently injured or being rested and are therefore unavailable for Saturday.
15 Theo Attissogbe, 14 Tom Spring, 13 Emilien Gailleton, 12 Gael Fickou (c), 11 Gabin Villière, 10 Joris Segonds, 9 Nolann Le Garrec, 8 Mickael Guillard, 7 Killian Tixeront, 6 Alexandre Fischer, 5 Tyler Duguid, 4 Hugo Auradou, 3 Rabah Slimani, 2 Gaetan Barlot, 1 Giorgi Beria
Reserves:
16 Pierre Bourgarit, 17 Paul Mallez, 18 Regis Montagne, 19 Romain Taofifenua, 20 Cameron Woki, 21 Jacobus van Tonder, 22 Baptiste Jauneau, 23 Antoine Hastoy
Head-to-Head:
Historically, New Zealand has dominated France in head-to-head encounters, but those days are long gone. In recent years, the rivalry has become far more competitive. Since 2021, the two sides have met three times—and on each occasion, it was France who emerged victorious.
Their most recent clash came in November last year, when France edged a thrilling contest 30–29 on home soil. However, it’s worth noting that while France has had the upper hand in recent matchups, they have traditionally struggled when playing in New Zealand, making this weekend’s encounter a significant challenge for the visitors, especially given the number of star players left at home.
Betting and Verdict:
New Zealand 1.03
Draw 66.00
France 17.00
Handicap: New Zealand [-21.5]
The French have incredible depth but a New Zealand side at full strength should win this one comfortably and by more than 3 scores.
BET: Handicap, New Zealand -21.5 at 1.90
Note: All prices are correct at the time of writing but subject to change.
