France vs New Zealand Preview: Team News & Prediction | 2024 Autumn Internationals
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France have had the edge over New Zealand in recent years but the tables could be turned at the Stade de France with the Kiwis having beaten both England and Ireland recently.
Start date/time: Saturday 16th November, 2024, UK – 8:10pm / US ET – 3:10pm / US PT – 12:10pm
How to watch on tv: UK – TNT Sport / US – Peacock
How to watch online: UK – discovery+ / US – Peacock
France Form: Dangerous with Dupont
France began their Autumn Nations series with a dominant 52-12 victory over Japan last weekend in a match where Fabien Galthie’s side were superior in all areas of the field, but they know that this contest against the All Blacks will be a significant step-up in class.
The return of the irreplaceable Antoine Dupont after his Olympic heroics was evident last week and he will surely be instrumental if the French are to have any success against New Zealand in the Stade de France.
LAST FIVE: WWWLW
New Zealand form: Improving in all areas
After a lacklustre Rugby Championship campaign by their own lofty standards, New Zealand have looked a rejuvenated team so far in the Autumn Nations Series, firstly beating England before an excellent 23-13 victory over a formidable Ireland side in Dublin last weekend.
However, France have represented something of a bogey team for them, with the All Blacks having not beaten Les Bleus since 2018. Victory in France would be a significant statement as head coach Scott Robertson seeks to steer his side to the pinnacle of men’s rugby once more.
LAST FIVE: WWWWW
France Team News: Romain Buros in for debut
SQUAD: 15 Romain Buros, 14 Gabin Villiere, 13 Gael Fickou, 12 Yoram Moefana, 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 10 Thomas Ramos, 9 Antoine Dupont, 8 Gregory Aldritt, 7 Alexandre Roumat, 6 Paul Boudehent, 5 Emmanuel Meafou, 4 Thibaud Flament, 3 Tevita Tatafu, 2 Peato Mauvaka, 1 Jean-Baptiste Gros
REPLACEMENTS: 16 Julien Marchand, 17 Reda Wardi, 18 Georges-Henri Colombe, 19 Romain Taofifenua, 20 Mickael Guillard, 21 Charles Ollivon, 22 Nolann le Garrec, 23 Emilen Gailleton
New Zealand Team News: Ardie Savea to start
SQUAD: 15 Will Jordan, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Wallace Sititi, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Samipeni Finau, 5 Tupou Vaa'i, 4 Scott Barrett (c), 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Tamaiti Williams
REPLACEMENTS: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Ofa Tu'ungafasi, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Partick Tuipulotu, 20 Peter Lakai, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Damian McKenzie
France vs New Zealand Prediction
Despite some defeats to France in recent years, New Zealand can turn the tide here should they replicate the performance they delivered against Ireland last week. While France were impressive in their own right against Japan, the All Blacks represent an entirely different opponent and that could lead to a competitive and enthralling matchup.
Should New Zealand manage to restrict Dupont’s influence on the hosts, they can be fancied to take the victory.
France vs New Zealand Tip: New Zealand to win