France vs Namibia Prediction and Betting Tips

🏈 Rugby World Cup 2023 Match Preview

⏰ 23 September 2023 - 19:45:00 GMT +1

⏰ 24 September 2023 - 01:45 AEST

🏟 Stadium - Stade Pierre-Mauroy (Villeneuve d'Ascq)

It'll be top vs bottom in Pool D on Saturday afternoon when England and Chile clash for the first time at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille. After wins over Argentina and Japan, the 2003 champions are eyeing a third straight victory for the first time since November 2021. Meanwhile the RWC newcomers are still chasing their first ever tournament win after losses to Japan and Samoa.

After just three changes for the Japan win, coach Borthwick has kept only three players in his XV here with the big news being skipper Farrell's return from a four-match ban. Number eight Vunipola also starts after coming off the bench last week following his own suspension. It means only Currie is still unavailable from England's run of red cards before and during their RWC opener.

George Ford, who kicked all 27 points versus Argentina and 14 against Japan, drops to the bench with Borthwick calling the Farrell/Ford dilemma an “enviable” one. Marcus Smith will make his first start at fullback, and with Chile 16 places lower in the rankings, it's a chance for Borthwick to rotate and display his squad's “strength in depth”. After this, England have a 14-day wait for their final pool game against Samoa, so expect no let up as they chase a record 7th straight RWC pool win.

Chile became the 26th RWC entrant when they debuted against Japan, putting in gritty performances in 42-12 and 43-10 losses so far. Against Samoa, the Condors made 187 post-contact metres and boasted an 18% tackle evasion rate.

Coach Lemoine says the pressure is on England and wants his team to “be part of the spectacle, not the clown” in their “best game”. He scored a try against England in 2003 but is hungry for a better result after a 111-13 thrashing. Lemoine has made nine changes, handing debuts to fullback Urroz and scrumhalf Videla. Captain Sigren, who has played every minute so far, will be familiar to English fans from the Doncaster Knights.

📋 Players to watch:

• Winger Arundell scored with his first touch for England last year and has been prolific across age grades. He'll be eager to make an impact on RWC debut. 
• lyhalf Fernández always has the honour of Chile's first RWC try and will look to pull the strings here.

⚡ Match Facts:

• First ever meeting between the two nations
• England won the opening two RWC games, and Chile still seeking its first win.
• Farrell returns from suspension to captain England
• Nine changes for Chile including fullback Urroz
• Arundell debuts on the wing for England
• Fernandez has Chile's only RWC try so far
• England chasing a seventh straight RWC pool stage win
• Chile scored first in losses to Japan and Samoa

💡 Match Prediction:

England should have too much firepower across the park for Chile in this clash. The return of Farrell will steady the ship, while explosive backs like May, Steward and Arundell will be eager to run in the tries. Chile have been plucky in their first two World Cup games, but England's physical pack should control matters upfront.

The Condors will look to flyhalf Fernandez and captain Sigren to provide direction, and their scramble defence has impressed. However, the gulf in quality and experience might be telling late in the game if Chile tire. England also has the motivation to build momentum before the knockout stages.

A comfortable England won by 25-30 points, but Chile to put up a brave fight with their quick backs looking dangerous on turnover ball.

Betting Tips:

Match Winner: England

Margin: England by 26-30

First Try Scorer: Jonny May

Total Points: Over 45