France vs South Africa Prediction, Odds & Picks

In the nine previous editions of the Rugby World Cup, a host team has won the tournament three times: New Zealand in 1987 and 2011 and South Africa in 1995. With a win over South Africa on Sunday (3:00 pm ET, Peacock), France will move within two wins of becoming the fourth to do so.

Les Bleus are also looking to become the first first-time winner of the Rugby World Cup since England in 2003. To do so, they may well have to beat three former winners in South Africa, England, and New Zealand.

First up are the Springboks, who are aiming to become only the second side to repeat, following the All Blacks in 2011 and 2015.

The Stade de France is the place to be this weekend, with the top four tournament favorites facing off. Today’s Ireland-New Zealand matchup could be a classic, and this contest could be as well.

France vs South Africa Odds

Odds are via Bovada.

Spread

• France -2.5 (-105)
• South Africa +2.5 (-115)

Moneyline

• France -139
• South Africa +130
• Draw +2200

Over/Under

• Over 41.5 (-115)
• Under 41.5 (-105)

Will Dupont Deliver for France in Return to Action?

In France’s third Pool A match, a 96-0 annihilation of Namibia, captain Antoine Dupont, arguably the best player in the world, suffered a fractured cheekbone.

Dupont missed France’s pool finale against Italy and faced a race against time to be fit to play in the quarters. But he has won that race, and he will be back in the starting XV on Sunday.

His return will be a major lift for France. Along with his quality, his recovery and presence should serve as an inspiration.

2023 Rugby World Cup Results for France

• 27-13 W vs New Zealand

Of course, good vibes aren’t all that is needed to win big games. France will need to be at their best to see off South Africa, who are looking to reach the Rugby World Cup semifinals for the sixth time.

There’s some big selection news for the Springboks as well.

After some crucial missed kicks in a 13-8 loss to Ireland, there were many questions about Manie Libbok’s place in the starting lineup.

Those questions only intensified when Handre Pollard, one of the heroes of South Africa’s triumph in 2019, was drafted in to start the final Pool B match against Tonga.

Pollard nailed all four of his kicks against Tonga before giving way in the 52nd minute to Libbok, who made a statement about his self-confidence by successfully connecting on his three kicks.

2023 Rugby World Cup Results for South Africa

• 18-3 W vs Scotland
• 76-0 W vs Romania

Libbok has been given the nod for Sunday’s match, and he will be counted on to both be accurate with his kicks and help test France’s defense, which surrendered just five tries in four pool matches.

Les Bleus came out on top in the most recent head-to-head matchup with the Springboks, a wild 30-26 victory in Marseille last November.

But the overall head-to-head is heavily in South Africa’s favor. All time, South Africa have 27 wins, 12 losses, and six draws against France, and they had won seven in a row before last year’s loss.

The last and only time that these two teams met at a Rugby World Cup was the semifinals in 1995, when the Springboks eked out a 19-15 win in Durban before defeating New Zealand in the final to win the first of their three world titles.

France vs South Africa Prediction and Picks

Prediction: France to win

Picks: France ML (-139 at Bovada) & France/South Africa over 41.5 (-115 at Bovada)

This one could go either way and may not be decided until the final few minutes, but I’m backing France to get it done.

A harder call is whether to go with the over or the under, because this could be a low-scoring contest. However, 42 or more points have been scored in six of the last eight head-to-head matchups, and I think both teams have some points in them.

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.

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.