New Zealand will be looking to make it three wins from three starts, when they take on a weakened French outfit in the final mid-year Test between the sides this saturday.
New Zealand v France | Saturday 19 July | FMG Stadium
To Win (80 Mins)
New Zealand | Draw | France
Handicap
New Zealand | France
The All Blacks will be looking for a clean sweep as they head for waikato after a solid 43-17 win over Le Bleu in wellington. scott Robertson’s men were far more fluid in the second Test than they were in the first, where they scrapped to a 31-27 win.
The Kiwis were fast off the blocks in the second fixture with three well-worked lineout moves seeing them to a 22-3 lead before the half-hour mark. A further try from Tupou Vaa’i would see them extend that lead to 29-3 as the teams went into the break.
The second-half would be a more disjointed for the hosts with a couple changes, staggering their moment somewhat, while the French subs made more of an impact as they managed to bag two tries in the second stanza.
Looking ahead to this weekend, I’m expecting changes for the All Blacks with Timoci Tavatavanawai likely to get a start having come off the bench last weekend, while I also wouldn’t be surprised to see Damien McKenzie get a start at fly-half. The French are also likely to make a slew of changes with Fabien Galthie looking to give all members of hi squad a run on tour.
Verdict: New Zealand (-)
I reckon the shackles will be off for the Kiwis who have already secured a series win. My money is on them clearing the handicap for the second week running.
