France vs Uruguay Prediction and Betting Tips

🏈 Rugby World Cup 2023 Match Preview

⏰ 14 September 2023 - 20:00 GMT +1

⏰ 15 September 2023 - 5:00 AEST

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

After the national anthems, hosts France laid down an early marker at Rugby World Cup 2023, emphatically beating three-time champions New Zealand 27-13 in the opening match. The French showed why they're among the favourites, also sending a message to likely quarter-final opponents from Pool B in this lopsided draw.

While France's focus will soon turn to the knockout stage, there's still work ahead before mentally moving on. They've progressed from the pool stage in every past Rugby World Cup and will expect to continue that against Uruguay. France has won 21 of 23 matches against future pool opponents, only losing twice.

Coach Fabien Galthié has made changes following injuries and absentees before the tournament, with only centre Yoram Moefana, wing Villière and lock Cameron Woki retaining their spots from the All Blacks win. Returning flanker Anthony Jelonch will captain the side for his first appearance since February. Home fans will cheer Les Bleus to what could be a 15th straight win in France.

Uruguay plays their first match in week two after qualifying through South America. This is their fifth World Cup and third in a row, but realistically their chances of advancing are slim after Chile and Argentina lost last weekend.

However, after shockingly beating Fiji 30-27 at the 2019 World Cup, Uruguay will back themselves to cause an upset. Their three all-time Rugby World Cup wins came in opening matches, but facing the world number three is a different challenge. This is the first-ever meeting between both countries.

Coach Esteban Meneses has named a strong team, headlined by scrum-half Santiago Arata returning from injury. Eleven of the starting XV featured at the 2019 World Cup, with three more on the bench. Five players led by captain Andrés Vilaseca play club rugby in France.

📋 Players to watch:

• France's wingers have scored 15 tries in their last 11 tests.
• Gabin Villière scored against Australia in their final warm-up match.
• Uruguay's Vilaseca becomes the first Uruguayan to play three World Cups, setting a new caps record in his ninth match.

⚡ Match Facts:

• This is the first-ever test match between France and Uruguay.
• France has won 21 of its last 23 matches against Tier 2 opposition, only losing to Argentina and Japan.
• Uruguay scored one of the biggest upsets in Rugby World Cup history when they beat Fiji 30-27 at the 2019 tournament.
• France has won 14 consecutive matches at home, last losing against England in the Six Nations in 2020.
• Santiago Arata returns from injury to start at scrum-half for Uruguay after missing their last test match.
• France made 11 changes to their starting XV following their win over New Zealand.
• Anthony Jelonch will captain France for the first time since February 2022.
• Uruguay captain Andres Vilaseca will set a national record with his 9th Rugby World Cup appearance.
• A backline player has scored the opening try in 8 of France's last 9 matches.
• 5 Uruguayan starters play their club rugby in France's domestic leagues.

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💡 Match Prediction:

Uruguay will be spirited but France will prove far too strong, winning by 50 points. The host nation will keep momentum ahead of the knockout stage in a comfortable victory.

Betting Tips:

Match Result - France at 1.01

Point Spread - France -41.5

Total Points - Over 58.5

France will run rampant against the Uruguay defence and have too much firepower all over the park. Uruguay will contribute enough scoring of their own to help push the total over 58.5 points.