Saturday’s rugby schedule brings the curtain down on a fiercely contested summer series, with two notable clashes capturing attention. In Hamilton, New Zealand will attempt to complete a 3-0 sweep over France, a tour that has stirred debate from the moment Les Bleus named an understrength squad. Read on to find a detailed outright preview and top betting recommendations.
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Rugby betting tips: New Zealand vs France Predictions for rugby union
Can the Final Twist in Hamilton Deliver a Closer Contest?
- Seven players in New Zealand’s 23-man squad are making their first appearance of the season.
- France have made eight changes to the side that lost 43-17 in the second Test.
- All three of New Zealand’s centres and half-back Ratima are regular starters for the Chiefs, building strong on-field chemistry.
Our Best Bet
Tom Johnstone to score the first try | |
8/1 - odds when tipped |  |
Reasoning Tom Johnstone’s finishing power and pace make him an ideal candidate to break the deadlock. With Wakefield likely to press hard from the outset and Huddersfield lacking defensive organisation without Oliver Russell, Johnstone’s edge-running ability gives him a strong chance of grounding the first try in this high-stakes contest.
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With their backs against the wall, France have responded with resolve in moments, notably in the narrow 31-27 defeat in the first Test, though they were overwhelmed in the second clash in Wellington, falling 43-17.
Elsewhere, Scotland will be aiming to conclude their tour on a high as they face Samoa. Despite internal challenges and a lack of match action, the Samoans will look to put up stern resistance. This contest in Auckland offers a contrasting dynamic to the one in Hamilton, with Scotland short-priced favourites but yet to prove consistency on the road.
Both matches are significant for different reasons. For New Zealand and France, this is a final statement in a series marked by selection controversies and fluctuating performances. For Scotland, it’s an opportunity to salvage their tour narrative. The mix of pride, development, and national expectations makes today’s fixtures compelling viewing for any rugby enthusiast.
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Best Bet for Today’s Action: Cortez Ratima To Score & New Zealand To Win
At BettingTips4You, we focus on providing a single, well-researched prediction per event. Our philosophy is built around prioritising quality over quantity, giving readers a clear direction without overwhelming options. Today’s standout selection revolves around Cortez Ratima to score anytime and New Zealand to emerge victorious.
There’s logic behind backing Ratima in this particular setting. With the All Blacks having already clinched the series, the third Test offers an environment where fringe players are expected to showcase their hunger and spark. Ratima, slotting in at scrum-half and playing at FMG Stadium alongside familiar Chiefs teammates, is perfectly placed to exploit the gaps a fatigued French defence might offer. He lines up beside Quinn Tupaea and Anton Lienert-Brown, both of whom understand his rhythm, and this synergy could unlock space around the fringes.
New Zealand’s forward pack, though heavily rotated, still carries sufficient physical presence with the likes of Finau, Savea and Jacobson in the back row to provide a solid platform. This should generate enough momentum to allow Ratima the freedom to snipe from the base, especially against a French side that may struggle to contain fast ball.
France have strengthened for this final Test, recalling key players like Fickou and Villiere, and handing the reins to the more seasoned Antoine Hastoy at fly-half. However, their pack faces a stern examination from an All Blacks unit still boasting athleticism and structure. McKenzie’s inclusion at fly-half, another Chief, adds a layer of creativity that suits Ratima’s instinctive game. Despite the changes, New Zealand remain the more cohesive unit, and at home in Hamilton, the likelihood of them completing the clean sweep is strong.
With an opportunity to leave a lasting impression, Ratima looks primed to get on the scoresheet, and if he does, it’s hard to see France pulling off an upset. Pairing him to score with a New Zealand win offers real value and is our best bet of the day.
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