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Rugby World Cup: France v Argentina Preview

Kevin Gourdon and Gael Fickou

France and Argentina will go head-to-head on Saturday the 21st of September in a game that could well make or break these sides campaigns. 

When France meet Argentina this coming Saturday the World Cup will only be in its embryonic phase but this match is arguably the most important of all the pool phase games. The reason for this is that these two teams are pitted alongside England in the tournament’s pool of death. Whoever loses this one would have to register a result over the English if they want to qualify for the quarter-finals. That is no easy feat considering Eddie Jones’ side look the complete package at the minute.

Photo Copyright Steve Haag Sport – Hollywoodbets 

France v Argentina
Saturday 21 September
Tokyo Stadium

09:15

To Win (80 Mins)
France 8/10
Draw 20/1
Argentina 1/1

Handicap
France (-1.5) 9/10

Argentina (+1.5) 9/10

France
The French will be looking for a bit of revenge here as they went down to the Argentine’s in the opening round when they hosted the tournament back in 2007.

As we all know, the French tend to produce their best rugby during global showpieces where the high stake atmosphere seems to galvanize them. They will use that World Cup aura to work its magic this year as they have taken a rather raw side to the tournament with veterans Matheui Basteraud and Morgan Parra both being overlooked.

Key to the French’s chances will be pivot Camille Lopez. His battle with veteran Argentine general will be a highly intriguing one with the better performing pivot likely to secure victory for his side.

Argentina
The euphoria of the Jaguares run to the Super Rugby final has well and truly worn off with the Argentine national team failing to light up the global stage like their club compatriots tour up the Super Rugby scene.

A poor Rugby Championship campaign, where Los Pumas lost all three of their matches, coupled with a friendly defeat to a second-strength South African side leaves Mario Ledesma’s men heading into the Rugby World Cup without an international win in 2019.

The majority worry for Ledesma will be his side’s poor showings at scrum time. The Argentine front row has been outclassed by all in sundry this year and they will need to work extremely hard this week as the French will target the scrum.

Verdict: Argentina (+1.5) 9/10
If this game had been played three months ago I would have climbed into the straight Argentine win with giddy abandon. Things have changed since then with the Argentinian’s enduring a rather shoddy Rugby Championship. While I still think they will win this one, I will be having a far more conservative punt the Argentine’s on a rather low plus line. 

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