When New Zealand were last seen, it was the heaviest defeat
of Steven Hansen’s reign after a thrashing which cost them a potential chance
at the longest winning streak in history, but that does not change the fact
that this looks to be as good a vintage as the All Blacks’ have had and the
World Champions seem very sure of their direction in comparison to a vulnerable
French side.
After reaching the World Cup final great things were
expected of the French under new coach Phlippse Saint Andre but the last two 6
Nations have been extremely poor by French standards and while they’re known as
the tradional enemies of New Zealand, the famous bogey sides of 1999, 2007 and
2009 are long gone and this should be a matter of just how far for a refreshed
All Balck outfit should win by.
The tense 8-7 win in the World Cup final is in the minds of
many but only two players from that outfit are retained again and France have
done no better than 5th in the 6 Nations since – their only
impressive streak of results being the Autumn Internationals of last year when
they faced an Australia side bedraggled by injury. Meanwhile New Zealand were
slashing sides open at will – scoring 51, 42, 33 and 21 points even with their
trashing at the hands of England.
With the next World Cup only two years away, the focus has
changed towards bringing in youth for their campaign in England and impressive
Chiefs’ fly-half Aaron Cruden will partner his namesake at 9 in an extremely
promising 9/10 axis which has arguably the most talented backline in World
Rugby to use at its disposal (Dagg, Ben and Conrad Smith, Nonu, and Julian
Savea), whiel Sam Cane gets his chance at openside.
France too are taking a chance on some youth – Boradeux’
Camille Lopez faces a white hot test debut outside Maxime Macehnaud while we
need no instruction to the talents of Wesley Fofana – but the reality of the
situation is that they won only one of their 5 games in the 6 Nations and will
be hard pressed to get close to New Zealand. A handicap of 18 should be passed,
but one would be disappointed if the hosts couldn’t score 32 or more points.
Advice
2 pts New Zealand to score 32 or more points (10/11 Bet365)
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