france.matchCouch Critic previews Wednesday's Rugby World Cup matches between France and USA and New Zealand v Canada with best bets from @Olimp_SA

 

 

 

 

 

We had a breath-taking weekend of rugby with host nation, Japan shocking Ireland and Wales ending Australia in a tense battle likely to determine a pool winner. It could possible be considered a bit of a “quieter” week in Japan but we still have both New Zealand and France taking to the field on Wednesday and here is how I see those matches playing out from a betting perspective. 

 

France vs USA, Wednesday 02 October @ 09:45 (Fukuoka City) 

 

What you need to know 

 

France went from sublime to shoddy in their opener against Argentina. When on song Les Blues bully upfront before running teams ragged with a beautiful, flowing game that sees them attacking space with great interplay between backs and forwards. We also saw everything that’s wrong with the French as they seem to mentally switch off and let the Argentines get into the game as they slipped off tackles, let ill discipline creep in and in general just lost focus. The Frenchies have rung the changes with only Gale Fickou, Yoann Huget and Arthur Iturria remaining from the side that snuck home against Argentina.

England clinically and methodically muscled their way past the United States. The USA had to wait till the final hooter to finally cross the whitewash. Despite struggling to finish off opportunities the Stars and Stripes weren’t completely incompetent in their first outing and they should be better, more accurate after their first run-out. The States have made five changes to their team.

 

How I see it panning out

 

The World Cup organisers are adamant that the serious weather will miss Fukuoka yet one can be sure there will at the very least be a few showers. Regardless of the amount of rain I predict a dominant display from the French and the forecast is bleak for the United States. Tricky conditions might force this French team to keep the game centred around their pack and that would spell trouble for their opponents who won’t be able to match their grunt up front.

Louis Picamoles returns to the side and I expect him to put in a big effort. Hookers are the preferred option at the back of a rolling maul but the skipper might just pull rank. He is also sure to pop up close to the line wiling to barge over from close range.

 

Betolimp Best Bet: France to beat the handicap of -22.5 @ 1.85

Special Play: First Tryscorer - Luis Picamoles @ 15.00

 

New Zealand vs Canada, Wednesday 02 October @ 12:15 (Oita)

 

What you need to know

 

Canada ran into a rampant Italian side who stretched to a 17-0 lead within the opening fifteen minutes. From that point on the Canucks were mostly up for the fight but clearly are nowhere close to the level of the top teams.

Make no mistake about it this will prove to be little more than a training exercise for the All Blacks. Not only are they a superbly professional outfit – they are arguably the very best of the lot when it some to not underestimating any opponents and also being ruthless in dishing out punishment until the final whistle. New Zealand have had ten days between games and will be chomping at the bit to be unleashed on the Canadians. Hansen has opted to unleash his second stringers as expected, but we all know a second choice All Black outfit would probably still be one of the top four teams in World Rugby. Read, Mo’unga and Beauden Barrett are also retained which only spells serious disaster for their opponents.

 

How I see it panning out

 

One honestly shudders to think of what this All Black team could do to Canada here. New Zealand showed against Tonga what they are capable of. There will be no let-up from the Kiwis and these North Americans aren’t any better than Tonga. If you are squeamish look away – things could get ugly here!

 

Betolimp Best Bet: New Zealand to beat the handicap of -66.5 @ 1.80

Special Play 1: Rieko Ioane to score 3 or more tries @ 3.00

Special Play 2: Last Tryscorer – Ardie Savea @ 13.00

 

Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change

 

Couch Critic