France vs Namibia Prediction, Odds & Picks
After getting quite the fright from Uruguay last week, expect a more clinical and ruthless approach 2023 Rugby World Cup hosts France in Thursday’s Pool A matchup with Namibia (3:00 pm ET, Peacock).
Last Thursday, Les Bleus had an arduous adventure of a matchup with Uruguay. Approaching the midway point of the second half, France led by just a point after a Uruguay try. But an immediate response settled the nerves, and the end result was a 27-12 win.
In the end, a win is a win is a win, and Uruguay deserve a lot of credit for their effort. However, much better will be expected of France from here on, starting with this matchup.
France vs Namibia Odds
Odds are via Bovada as of 2:20 pm ET Wednesday, September 20, 2023.
Spread
- France -70 (-105)
- Namibia +70 (-115)
Moneyline
- France -100000
- Namibia +6600
- Draw +10000
Over/Under
- Over 79.5 (-105)
- Under 79.5 (-115)
Namibia Unlikely to Offer Much Resistance to France
After making a number of changes to the starting XV for the Uruguay match and witnessing a substandard performance, Les Bleus coach Fabien Galthie is going back to a stronger squad against Namibia.
That should see France have their most prolific performance of the year. They routed England 53-10 at Twickenham, and both the margin of victory and number of points should be eclipsed against Namibia, who followed a 52-8 loss to Italy with a 71-3 defeat at the hands of New Zealand last Friday.
Those two results are par for the course for Namibia in their Rugby World Cup history. They have lost all 24 of their Rugby World Cup matches, being outscored 1323-248 in the process.
Two of those 24 losses have come against France. In the 1999 Rugby World Cup, Ugo Mola’s hat trick of tries led the way in a 47-13 win. Then, in the 2007 Rugby World Cup, Les Bleus scored 13 tries, including a hat trick by Vincent Clerc, in an 87-10 victory.
Highest-Scoring Matches for France at the Rugby World Cup
- 2007 Rugby World Cup: France 87-10 Namibia
- 1987 Rugby World Cup: France 70-12 Zimbabwe
- 2007 Rugby World Cup: France 64-7 Georgia
- 2003 Rugby World Cup: France 61-18 Fiji
- 1987 Rugby World Cup: France 55-12 Romania
To date, France have scored 60 or more points four times in 54 Rugby World Cup matches. Most recently, they put up 64 points in a 57-point win over Georgia, two weeks and two matches after their 87-point explosion against Namibia.
France vs Namibia Prediction and Picks
Prediction: France to win
Picks: France to score 30+ points in each half (-137 at Bovada) & France to score 5+ tries in each half (+100 at Bovada)
France may not score 13 tries or put up 87 points like they did the last time they played Namibia as Rugby World Cup hosts, but this will not be anything but a blowout.
Where to Bet on the 2023 Rugby World Cup
While rugby may not be one of the most widely watched or bet on sports in the United States, the Rugby World Cup always draws a lot of attention.
In fact, you can find 2023 Rugby World Cup odds at many of the top sports betting sites available to bettors in the USA.
In addition to Bovada, here are some of the online sportsbooks that we recommend which offer odds on each game in the tournament, as well as Rugby World Cup winner futures odds:
If you don’t have an account at a book on this list, check out our in-depth reviews to help you determine if it is worth your interest and your betting funds. Happy betting, and please bet responsibly.
