New Zealand v France — Third Test | Tips & Preview

History
New Zealand strengthened their all-time record over France with last week’s win in the capital. The 43-17 thumping gave the All Blacks their 50th international win over the French, improving their all-time record to 50-1-15, bumping their win percentage up to 75.6% in the process. It was also NZ’s 10th consecutive win over Les Bleus on home soil, although the teams have never met in Hamilton.

Form
The All Blacks’ performance in the second Test was much more comprehensive, blitzing the visitors for a 43-17 victory. The margin was as large as 33 points at one point, with New Zealand reversing their form from the first Test, this time converting a lot of their opportunities into points to put France to the sword. With a 50-50 split in possession, the hosts may not have had the long spells of ball that they enjoyed in Dunedin, but they made their chances count and kept France on the back foot after gaining a 29-3 halftime lead. The kick-heavy game of the ABs targeted France’s aerial weakness and with a dominant lineout to boot, New Zealand strolled to victory for an unassailable 2-0 series lead.

France’s revamped squad for the second Test was made to look second-rate in the capital, as they conceded four first half tries to fall behind, and they were never able to recover. They were better in the second 40, as both teams scored 14 points, but the game was all but over at the 60-minute mark, when NZ held a 10-43 lead and were showing no signs of relenting. Les Bleus’ defence left them searching for answers and their 14 penalties conceded made it impossible for them to gain any momentum.

Teams
New Zealand: 1 Ethan de Groot, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu, 5 Fabian Holland, 6 Samipeni Finau, 7 Ardie Savea, 8 Luke Jacobson, 9 Cortez Ratima, 10 Damian McKenzie, 11 Rieko Ioane, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 14 Sevu Reece, 15 Ruben Love. Reserves: 16 Brodie McAlister, 17 George Bower, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Dalton Papali’i, 20 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 21 Noah Hotham, 22 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 23 Will Jordan.

France: 1 Baptiste Erdocio, 2 Pierre Bourgarit, 3 Rabah Slimani, 4 Hugo Auradou, 5 Matthias Halagahu, 6 Alexandre Fischer, 7 Joshua Brennan, 8 Mickael Guillard, 9 Nolann Le Garrec, 10 Antoine Hastoy, 11 Gabin Villiere, 12 Gael Fickou, 13 Nicolas Depoortere, 14 Theo Attissogbe, 15 Leo Barre. Reserves: 16 Gaetan Barlot, 17 Paul Mallez, 18 Demba Bamba, 19 Romain Taofifenua, 20 Killian Tixeront, 21 Pierre Bochaton, 22 Thibault Daubagna, 23 Emilien Gailleton.

Scott Robertson has reached deep into his squad to name a new-look 23 for the third Test. A hand injury to Beauden Barrett sees Damian McKenzie start at first five-eighth, while Cortez Ratima starts at halfback and Sevu Reece returns from injury on the wing. Quinn Tupaea and Anton Lienert-Brown form a new-look midfield, while Ruben Love earns his first Test start. Samisoni Taukei’aho, Tyrel Lomax, Samipeni Finau and Luke Jacobson are the new starters in the forwards, while Brodie McAllister is in line for his debut off the bench.

France coach Fabien Galthie has rung in the changes again, this time bringing back some of his more experienced troops after last week’s youngsters were undone. Veterans Gael Fickou and Rabah Slimani come back into the starting lineup, while Antoine Hastoy comes in at first five-eighth and Alexandre Fischer, Joshua Brennan and Mickael Guillard form a new back row. Pierre Bourgarit starts at hooker, with Gaetan Barlot moving to the bench.

The Verdict
The team changes have come in thick and fast for both teams heading into the third-and-final Test match, but it’s clear that it is to the advantage of the All Blacks. Depth is clearly not a strength of this second-string France squad and with further rotations having been made by Galthie, it’s hard to see much improvement coming for Les Bleus in Hamilton. While there isn’t a slew of experience among this All Blacks team either, there is still a lot of firepower in the backs and size up front. That will allow the hosts to again control the run of play and finish this series with a big win.

The Prediction
New Zealand by 24

Best
New Zealand -19.5 ($1.90)

Value
New Zealand 21-30 ($3.30)