France will be looking to build on a much-needed victory over Argentina when they take on the Fijians on Saturday the 25th of November.
France will close out their 2018 campaign against a dangerous Fijian side at the Stade de France this Saturday. The hosts have endured a patchy year and will be eager to end it with a resounding victory over the Fijians. They will need to be wary, however, as the Islanders tend to up their game when they take on the French as it’s an ideal chance for them to put themselves in the shop window for a Top 14 contract.
France v Fiji
Saturday 24th of November
Stade de France
22:00
To Win (80 Mins)
France 1/12
Draw 33/1
Fiji 6/1
Handicap
France (-12) 9/10
Fiji (+12) 9/10
*Forecast handicaps and odds
France
Last weekend finally saw the French deliver a competent 80-minute performance as they beat Argentina 28-13. Unlike their showing against the Springboks, a week prior, the French actually ended the game against Argentina as the stronger side. This will offer head coach Jaques Brunel a lot of encouragement as his charges seem to be learning from their mistakes.
With the Top 14 returning this weekend we are likely to see the French field a weakened squad with the top clubs in the country set to recall their international stars. This could leave the French somewhat vulnerable as the will likely be without a host of seasoned campaigners.
Fiji
As noted in earlier previews, Fiji have made some big steps this year with their domestic side, the Fijian Drua, winning the recently concluded National Rugby Championship which featured the best domestic sides in Australia. While the national team has yet to feel the knock-on effect of the Drua’s exploits, it has given the Fijian coaching unit a bigger talent pool to select from heading into next year’s World Cup.
In terms of their November tour, the Fijians haven’t been as competitive as they’d to have been against the big gun going down 54-17 to Scotland in their first tour match,. They did manage to claim a big win over Uruguay last week, however, beating the South American minnows 7-68.
Verdict: Fiji (+12) 9/10 *Forecast handicaps and odds
I expect the Fijian’s to give a good account of themselves this weekend. My money is on them staying within what is a rather large handicap.
