Match News and Current Form
New Zealand would’ve been more relieved than happy with the win in the first test, as despite dominating territory and possession, they clearly lacked a killer instinct when it mattered. Nonetheless, the All Blacks seem to be getting their winning habits back regardless of their performance levels, something they’ve had to rely on more than once prior to the first test, as being able to grind out results is a major reason why they’re now the first nation to register 500 test wins!
Ardie Savea will lead them out in search of a 501st test victory, with only two changes made to last week's starting XV, that being the introduction of lock Patrick Tuipulotu and wing Caleb Clarke.
After that impressive performance last time out, France will be eyeing at least one upset on this tour, as Fabien Galthié proved the depth of French rugby may be better than it’s ever been. With that in mind, he didn’t hold back on tapping into that depth for this second test, which features ten changes to the starting XV.
Only hooker Gaëtan Barlot retains his spot as he captains the side this week, and he’ll lead out four debutants in the forward pack in prop Baptiste Erdocio, both locks Joshua Brennan and Matthias Halagahu, and flank Pierre Bochaton. Galthié has named a side with just 50 caps amongst those in the run-on 15, while the matchday 23 tally just 174 caps!
Head-to-Head History
New Zealand snapped a three-game losing run against France last time out, and they’ll be hoping this will be the catalyst for something similar to the 13-game winning streak they were on against them between 2011 and 2018.
Hot Stats and Streaks
• A penalty has been the first scoring play in each of New Zealand’s last five matches.
• The All Blacks have not beaten the pre-match handicap in six of their last eight matches on home soil.
• France scored the first points in ten of their last 11 fixtures.
• France have scored 25+ points in each of their last seven away matches.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Will Jordan crossed the whitewash twice last week to take his tally to 40 tries in 42 tests, as he seems to be making quick work of Doug Howlett’s record of 49 for New Zealand. Looking to push the French agenda will be incoming centre Émilien Gailleton, who is in fine form having scored four tries in his last three games for his club Section Paloise.
The All Blacks were left worse off after the first test with Sevu Reece and captain Scott Barrett picking up injuries, while it will be interesting to see how France’s youngsters do without 94-cap veteran Gaël Fickou in the midfield and 57-cap stalwart Rabah Slimani in the front-row.
Betting Analysis
With New Zealand being such heavy favourites, the handicap becomes unpredictable after last week's performance, but an alternative bet of a forward scoring the first try could be a play since that happened in three of the last four H2Hs.