France will kick off their autumn campaign on Saturday night as they welcome Japan to Paris.
France is one of the world’s top sides today, playing an expansive style of rugby that is easy on the eye.
However, it was a disappointing Six Nations campaign for the French, and after a decent summer tour in Australia, they will be looking to reassert their dominance.
Japan will be heading to the French capital aiming to cause a massive upset and give the opposition a run for their money. This promises to be an intriguing match with some fascinating betting options.
France
France displays a certain flair whenever they take to the rugby pitch, always producing magic in games, and their attacking style is a joy to watch.
They are a well-rounded team, scoring an average of 35 points per game and conceding only 15.
Their defensive work has improved immensely under the guidance of Shaun Edwards, a significant factor in their current formidable status.
Their squad is packed with talent, and Antoine Dupont will return to the international stage after skipping the Six Nations to focus on his goal of winning a gold medal.
Dupont is a true highlight reel and one-of-a-kind, always seeming to have ample time on the ball and consistently leaving defences second-guessing.
Thomas Ramos will slot in at 10, with his goalkicking set to make a big difference. In the pack, Gregory Alldritt brings flair and class, acting as a workhorse for the team.
France will likely secure a convincing win over Japan and assert their dominance ahead of big clashes with New Zealand.
Japan
Japan is known for their heart and resilience. Coming off a heavy defeat to New Zealand, they’ll be looking to bounce back strongly against France.
There was a lot of excitement surrounding Eddie Jones’s return as head coach, especially as he masterminded Japan’s incredible victory over South Africa in the 2015 World Cup.
However, Japan’s recent form has not met expectations, with a heavy defeat to Fiji causing them to miss out on the Pacific Cup title.
Over the last five games, Japan has averaged 18 points per game but has struggled defensively, conceding 30 points per game.
Players like Naoto Saito, Harumichi Tatekawa, and Dylan Riley will need to step up significantly if Japan hopes to pull off a major upset.
Japan will enter the game with the hope of producing heroics to topple the mighty French juggernaut, although a tough day could be in store.
The Bets
The betting options for this contest highlight the handicaps as the key focus. The best bet is for France to win by more than 33 points; given the team’s quality, this appears to be a conservative choice.
A France victory by more than 39 points also offers value. Japan’s defensive struggles, as seen in the New Zealand game, could allow France to score freely.
For those who prefer a high-risk, high-reward option, France winning by more than 45 points is an enticing pick, given the squad’s depth of talent and their ability to dominate.
Best Bet: France to win by more than 33 points – 4/5
Value Bet: France to win by more than 38 points – 6/4
Longshot Bet: France to win by more than 45 points – 11/4
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