Match News and Current Form
New Zealand rugby, much to the fright of the rest of the world, seems to be on the up again after an uncharacteristic few years, highlighted by the fact that besides three losses in succession to the world champions South Africa, the All Blacks have lost just two of their last 17 matches (W15).
When looking at their matchday 23 for this fixture, it’s hard not to get excited to watch them this year, with experience and game-changing ability from top to bottom despite their being debuts for eighth-man Christian Lio-Willie and lock Fabian Holland, who lines up alongside captain Scott Barrett.
Reigning Six Nations Champions France were all but back to their scintillating best during the Northern Hemisphere's showpiece tournament, with a narrow 26-25 defeat to England spoiling their plans for a Grand Slam.
Le Bleus have been on the receiving end of some negative publicity ahead of this tour though, sending what seems to be largely a development squad since half the roster are yet to get an international cap while the average age of the side is just 25.
Head-to-Head History
New Zealand had won 13 H2Hs in succession before France hit back with three wins of their own on the trot, but it’s no wonder why the home side are overwhelming favourites here given the two squads.
Hot Stats and Streaks
New Zealand scored less than 30 points in their last four outings.
The All Blacks have not beaten the pre-match handicap in five of their last seven matches on home soil.
France scored the first points in nine of their last ten fixtures.
Five of France’s last six away matches have fallen short of the pre-match points line.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Scott Robertson has moved Rieko Ioane to wing to make room for Hurricanes ace Billy Proctor in midfield, but there might be some method to his madness, as it was from the wing that Ioane scored five tries in the three matches the last time France toured New Zealand in 2018. French captain and 94-test cap veteran Gaël Fickou will have huge responsibility on his shoulders here, and there would be no better time to get his first try against New Zealand.
World Rugby Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year Wallace Sititi suffered an ankle injury that keeps him out of the side, while most of France’s big name players are staying at home with their feet up too!
Betting Analysis
Fresh off Super Rugby Pacific and being right at home, New Zealand’s players will be fresh and raring to go from the first whistle, and with the expectation that they’ll put up a big score here, they could get stuck into their work early and sweep past the first-half handicap with ease.