France vs Namibia prediction and odds: Rugby World Cup 2023

The hosts and one of the favourites for the 2023 Rugby World Cup take on the whipping boys of Pool A on Thursday evening on the south coast at the Stade Vélodrome, Marseilles as France take on Namibia who have already conceded 123 points from two matches!

France vs Namibia match predictions

So far we have seen two wins from two games for the French but they will settle for nothing less than a bonus point victory in Marseilles.

France to win with a -69 point handicap @ 1/1 (2.00)

This is the second time that France and Namibia have clashed in a Rugby World Cup in France and the hosts will be looking for a repeat or maybe an improvement on their 87-10 win in Toulouse 16 years ago. Chasing bonus points, France may well break their highest margin of victory and their highest number of points records in this match – both set in that win in Toulouse against Namibia!

For the second successive game, France will make 12 changes with head coach Fabien Galthie looking to keep his side fresh as well adaptable throughout the tournament.

Damian Penaud to be first try scorer @ 9/2 (5.50)

The 26 year old back has been in fine try-scoring form across 2023 and will be relishing the chance to run at the Namibians in Marseilles. During this year’s Six Nations he crossed the line against Ireland, England and Wales before registering tries during the Summer Series against Scotland and Australia, and then opening the tournament with a crucial score against the All Blacks. It would be no surprise to see him carry the ball over the line early on in this match.

France will be too strong, the only question is, how many?

There are 18 world ranking places between France and Namibia, and many rugby fans will argue that a win by only 50 points for the hosts would represent a shock!

France

Some of the home supporters expected more in their last game against Uruguay, but no one is really complaining after wins of 27-13 against the All Blacks and 27-12 in the second weekend against the South Americans. France are ensuring that their entire squad is getting game time whilst proving to be extremely efficient and hard to beat.

France last five:

France 27-12 Uruguay

France 27-13 New Zealand

France 41-17 Australia

France 34-17 Fiji

France 30-27 Scotland

Namibia

After back to back wins over Chile and Namibia in the run-up to the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Uruguay couldn’t quite make it three in a row but still performed with spirit against France last Thursday. If the South Americans can pull off a shock result in this match it will put them in confident mood ahead of their clash with Namibia on the 27th.

Uruguay last five:

New Zealand 71-3 Namibia

Italy 52-8 Namibia

Chile 26-28 Namibia

Uruguay 26-18 Namibia

Canada 37-43 Namibia

Match Details

Date & Time: Thursday 21st September, 19:00 UK time

Venue: Stade Vélodrome , Marseilles