Rugby World Cup betting tips
France v Uruguay
France -52 (Handicap Betting)
Louis Bielle-Biarrey & Gabin Villière to Score 4+ Combined Tries
New Zealand v Namibia
Namibia +71 (Handicap Betting)
France v Uruguay betting tips
Thursday, September 14 – 8pm
Pool A
Stade Pierre-Mauroy (Lille)
Selection: France -52 (Handicap Betting)
Les Blues put the whole world on watch last Friday as they dismantled the All Blacks in a clinical display that has put them in the driver’s seat to take top spot in Group A. Now they face their second game in six days against much inferior opposition in the shape of Uruguay.
The quick turnaround mixed with the level of opposition has allowed Fabien Galthié to make full use of his squad. Players like Antoine Dupont, Gregory Alldritt and Gael Fickou to name a few aren’t even in the squad this week but their replacements would be a threat even to the best sides in this tournament.
They will be hungry to show management their capabilities and push for regular playing time further on into the tournament. There will be no let up with this French side from minute one to eighty. It’s a lot of points but I like France to cover the 52-point spread. Much will depend on what position they find themselves 20 minutes from the end but if France are within four tries of the handicap, I’d fancy them with their superiority in ball carrying and fitness to run up a big score.
Selection: Louis Bielle-Biarrey & Gabin Villière to Score 4+ Combined Tries
These mismatch games are a winger’s dream, and the French duo of Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Gabin Villière will be fancying their chances to get over the whitewash more than once. With Damian Penaud rested, the two French flyers will be vying for that left wing spot. Bielle-Biarrey at only 20 years of age will be very eager to show what he can do on the international stage, so I’d be expecting him to get fully involved early and often.
Villière with that distinctive red scrum hat is a renowned finisher and will be looking to get off the mark for the tournament. It’s also worth noting that France has gone for a 6/2 split on the bench, with their back replacements being scrum-half Baptiste Couilloud and full-back Thomas Ramos meaning the two wingers will likely see 80 minutes each.
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New Zealand v Namibia betting tips
Friday, September 15 – 8pm
Pool A
Stadium Municipal (Toulouse)
Selection: Namibia +71 (Handicap Betting)
New Zealand will be licking their wounds after their World Cup opening day defeat to the hosts. Expect there to be a swift and clinical response. You have got to feel sorry for Namibia who are staring down the barrel of an All-Black onslaught down in Toulouse. However, with that being said, 71 points will take some covering.
In their two previous encounters in World Cups, New Zealand won by 44 and 62 points respectively. It can be argued that their teams in 2015 and 2019 were more dominant than their side now and they were unable to reach the 71 point spread. Whether or not New Zealand cover will depend on how close Namibia keeps this game up until the final quarter.
Outhalf Tiaan Swanepoel has a monster boot which will be called upon for both territory and long-range penalty attempts early on to keep New Zealand at bay. I fancy them to keep it close enough early on to help cover the points.
Rugby World Cup betting tips
France v Uruguay
France -52 (Handicap Betting)
Louis Bielle-Biarrey & Gabin Villière to Score 4+ Combined Tries
New Zealand v Namibia
Namibia +71 (Handicap Betting)
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
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