Following their comprehensive performance in the first Test, New Zealand will look to wrap up the series with another victory over France in Wellington on Saturday, writes Shaun Goosen.
New Zealand v France
16 June 09h35
Westpac Stadium, Wellington
To Win (80 Mins)
New Zealand 1/100
Draw 40/1
France 10/1
Handicap
New Zealand (-31.5) 9/10
France (+31.5) 9/10
The All Blacks may have taken their time to gel in Auckland last week, but boy oh boy was it worth the wait. After trailing 8-11 at the break, the double World Champions turned on the charm to eventually ease to a comfortable 52-11 triumph.
As we have come to expect, Beauden Barrett again produced a masterclass with ball in hand as the reigning two-time World Rugby Player of the Year orchestrated many an All Black try with his incredible vision and exceptional execution.
While his goal-kicking remains a work in progress, there is simply no doubting that Barrett’s attacking exuberance makes him the world’s pre-eminent out half, and it is he who will spearhead New Zealand’s charge for a third consecutive World Cup title in Japan next year.
It will be a case of more of the same for Steve Hansen’s men this week, with their performance in Auckland set to lay the groundwork for another big win in Wellington. While they may be slightly upset with some needless ill-discipline, it shouldn’t count against them too much such is their freakish ability.
The French defence just couldn’t keep up with New Zealand’s wave after wave of high-intensity attacking play, and while they did well in the first forty it ultimately counted for naught as the Kiwis pulled away on the scoreboard.
Jacques Brunel’s side lack a degree of quality in their ranks with so many first-choice players out injured, and while they may again keep it tight going into the break, they will struggle to endure a full 80-minute Kiwi onslaught.
Verdict: New Zealand (-31.5) 9/10
In spite of France’s U20s upsetting their New Zealand counterparts at the Junior World Championships this week, we can expect more of the same come Saturday. The all-conquering All Blacks should win by a comfortable margin of about 25 points. Again.
Written by Shaun Goosen for Hollywoodbets
