New Zealand vs France live: Nations Championship kicks off today
New Zealand and France meet in a heavyweight Nations Championship rugby Test at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch on Saturday, with The Telegraph publishing live score updates. bet365 tips a high-scoring All Blacks win, while FanDuel separately lists esoccer odds for France (DECIMATOR) versus New Zealand (KINGSLAYER).
The clash marks Dave Rennie's first match as All Blacks head coach. France arrive without key Toulouse players including Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack, yet Les Bleus pushed New Zealand close last July before falling 31-27 in Dunedin after racing into a 10-0 lead as 20-point underdogs.
Key Takeaways
- bet365 backs over 57.5 points and a New Zealand win by 11-20 points in Christchurch.
- France conceded 50 and 46 points in their last two Six Nations games despite topping the table.
- New Zealand have won 12 straight home Tests against France since 2009.
- The Telegraph is publishing live score and match updates from the Nations Championship fixture.
- FanDuel lists a separate esoccer H2H market for France (DECIMATOR) vs New Zealand (KINGSLAYER).
Why does this Nations Championship match matter?
For New Zealand, it is a fresh start under Rennie after criticism that Scott Robertson's side lacked attacking harmony. bet365 reports there were concerns about a lack of unity in the squad, and Rennie has picked on form, handing Hurricanes fly-half Ruben Love his first start at number 10.
France may be depleted, but bet365 notes they still field proven finishers such as Damian Penaud and Theo Attissogbe, with Bordeaux's Maxime Lucu and Matthieu Jalibert at half-back. Five of the last seven meetings between these teams have gone over the 57.5-point mark.
What are bet365's predictions for New Zealand vs France?
Partner writers at news.bet365.com tip over 57.5 points at 10/11, citing the indoor venue and two attack-minded squads. Love starts at fly-half for the All Blacks, with Caleb Clarke and Will Jordan on the wings.
The alternative pick is a New Zealand victory by 11-20 points at 11/4. A bet builder combining an All Blacks win, a Cam Roigard try and a higher-scoring second half pays 15/4. Roigard scored in two of his three autumn Tests and in his last two meetings with France.
Where can fans follow the live rugby score?
The Telegraph's live blog is dedicated to score updates and the latest action from Christchurch. The venue opened in March and features a fixed roof, which bet365 argues could encourage an open, high-tempo game.
For more offbeat sports coverage, browse BlasterPost's Bizarre News & Florida Man section, where strange sporting overlaps often surface.
Why is FanDuel listing esoccer France vs New Zealand?
Among the provided sources, FanDuel's sportsbook URL points not to rugby union but to an esoccer head-to-head market: France (DECIMATOR) versus New Zealand (KINGSLAYER) in a 2x4-minute GG league. That parallel listing sits entirely apart from the real Test in Christchurch.
It is a surreal footnote on a day when the All Blacks aim to impress Rennie at a new venue. New Zealand have not lost to France on home soil in 12 meetings, and with little more than a year until the Rugby World Cup, the hosts look well equipped to keep Les Bleus at arm's length.