The upcoming Autumn Nations Series clash between France and New Zealand on Saturday promises to be a thrilling encounter. Les Bleus aim to achieve a rare feat: a third consecutive victory over the All Blacks. They previously defeated New Zealand in 2021 and during the 2023 Rugby World Cup opener, both matches taking place in Paris. This adds to the motivation for the All Blacks, led by coach Scott Robertson, who seek to end this losing streak while continuing their strong year-end tour performance.
New Zealand’s year began with a lackluster Rugby Championship, where they placed second, winning three of six matches. However, their form has improved significantly since then, with an unbeaten streak that includes victories over Japan, England, and Ireland, as well as a strong finish to the Rugby Championship with back-to-back wins over Australia. The recent successes have eased the initial pressure on Robertson, whose strategies and player combinations are starting to bear fruit.
For France, their preparation was bolstered by a commanding win over Japan last week. With star player Antoine Dupont back in action, the Stade de France crowd will be fully behind their team as they chase a record-equalling winning streak against New Zealand, a milestone last achieved between 1994 and 1995. Despite injuries affecting both squads, the match is expected to be closely contested, with an abundance of attacking talent on display.
Key Factors in the Match
The physicality and dominance at the set-piece will be crucial. France will look to players like Peato Mauvaka, Emmanuel Meafou, and Gregory Alldritt to gain the upper hand in the forward battles. Similarly, New Zealand’s powerful back-row trio—Samipeni Finau, Ardie Savea, and Wallace Sititi—will aim to assert their presence.
In the backline, moments of individual brilliance are anticipated. France boasts speedy wingers Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Gabin Villiere, while New Zealand will rely on the likes of Will Jordan, Beauden Barrett, and the dynamic Damian McKenzie, who could have a significant impact from the bench.
Recent Meetings
The last encounter between these teams saw France triumph 27-13 during the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Prior to that, they also claimed a 40-25 win in 2021. However, before these victories, New Zealand had a dominant record over France, with notable wins like their 49-14 thrashing in 2018 and the 62-13 demolition during the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
What’s Been Said
New Zealand assistant coach Scott Hansen joked that the best way to stop Dupont would be to ask France’s coach not to play him, highlighting the scrum-half’s immense influence on the game. Hansen praised Dupont’s contributions to rugby, calling him a superstar who inspires young players worldwide.
On the French side, head coach Fabien Galthie justified the selection of Romain Buros at full-back over Leo Barre. He praised Buros’ form and confidence, emphasizing his aerial abilities, which will be vital in contesting the anticipated 30 kicks from the All Blacks.
Players to Watch
France will depend on Thomas Ramos’ reliability as a goal-kicker and overall steadiness, while Paul Boudehent’s physicality in the back-row could prove critical. Key contributions will also be expected from Meafou, Mauvaka, and Alldritt.
For New Zealand, Wallace Sititi’s performance at number eight, alongside Savea and Finau in the back-row, will be pivotal. The All Blacks’ backline stars, particularly Will Jordan and Beauden Barrett, could unlock France’s defense, with McKenzie’s late-game impact being another potential game-changer.
Main Matchups
The showdown between scrum-halves Antoine Dupont and Cam Roigard is set to be a highlight. Dupont’s unparalleled skill and audacity will challenge Roigard, who has shown promise and is vying to establish himself as one of the best in the position.
At number eight, Gregory Alldritt faces Wallace Sititi, a standout player in the series so far. Their duel will be instrumental in determining the outcome of the match.
Prediction
With New Zealand’s strong recent form and France missing key players like Damian Penaud and Romain Ntamack, the All Blacks appear to have a slight edge. A closely fought contest is expected, with New Zealand projected to win by two points.
Lineups
France:
15. Romain Buros; 14. Gabin Villiere; 13. Gael Fickou; 12. Yoram Moefana; 11. Louis Bielle-Biarrey; 10. Thomas Ramos; 9. Antoine Dupont; 8. Gregory Alldritt; 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:
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. Patrick Tuipulotu; 20. Peter Lakai; 21. Cortez Ratima;22. Anton Lienert-Brown; 23. Damian McKenzie