The second test between New Zealand and France in the mid-year International Rugby program takes place in Wellington on Saturday and we take a look at the game from a betting perspective.
New Zealand vs France
Last Saturday, in the series opener, the teams played in Dunedin where New Zealand had a narrow 31-27 win over France.
France stunned the hosts early when they took a 10-0 lead, but New Zealand fought back with tries from Jordan and Vaa’i to end the first half 21-13. The second half saw Villiére’s try close the gap to 21-20 but Jordan’s second try stretched the lead until Woki’s effort brought France back to a one-point deficit. The TMO ruled out three New Zealand tries much to the disgust of punters that were on the home team handicap or the overs on New Zealand points.
Villiére’s yellow card gave New Zealand the edge and it was a late penalty by Beauden Barrett which sealed the 31-27 win.
The All Blacks achieved their 500th Test win, but against a French side missing many first choice players.
Given New Zealand were backed from -14.5 right out to -23.5 it is fair to say they underperformed and the pressure is on from the New Zealand public for a much improved effort in Wellington.
New Zealand Squad
15 Will Jordan, 14 Rieko Ioane, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Christian Lio-Willie, 7 Ardie Savea (captain), 6 Tupou Vaa’i, 5 Fabian Holland, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu, 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot.
Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Ollie Norris, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Samipeni Finau, 20 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 23 Damian McKenzie
French Squad
15 Leo Barre, 14 Theo Attissogbe, 13 Nicolas Depoortere, 12 Pierre-Louis Barassi, 11 Emilien Gailleton, 10 Joris Segonds, 9 Nolann Le Garrec, 8 Esteban Abadie, 7 Jacobus Van Tonder, 6 Pierre Bochaton, 5 Matthias Halagahu, 4 Joshua Brennan, 3 Georges-Henri Colombe, 2 Gaetan Barlot (captain), 1 Baptiste Erdocio
Replacements: 16 Pierre Bourgarit, 17 Paul Mallez, 18 Regis Montagne, 19 Romain Taofifenua, 20 Cameron Woki, 21 Bastien Vergnes-Taillefer, 22 Thibault Daubagna, 23 Antoine Hastoy
BETTING – Click here to bet
New Zealand 1.09
Draw 41.00
France 10.00
Handicap: New Zealand [-16.5] at 1.95
The All Blacks cost a lot of punters money last weekend and I expect a strong response with a hard fought but ultimately convincing win.
For those looking to the points lines for a play it is set at 56.5 and while no rain is expected at game time there are fairly strong winds forecast.
BET: New Zealand -16.5 at 1.95
Note: All prices are correct at the time of writing but subject to change.
