These games are always special affairs and Saturday promises to be no different as France face the All Blacks in a mouth-watering Autumn Nations Series clash.

Les Bleus are looking to claim a third straight victory over New Zealand after beating them in 2021 and then in the 2023 Rugby World Cup opener, both in Paris.

That will no doubt add to the desire of Scott Robertson‘s men to stop that rot whilst continuing an impressive year-end tour that’s brought many positives so far.

Indeed, after a rather disappointing Rugby Championship that saw them finish in second place with three wins from six, they have enjoyed an unbeaten run since. Back-to-back victories over the Wallabies to round off that tournament have been added to by triumphs over Japan, England and Ireland.

That has visibly eased the early pressure on coach Robertson as styles and ideas start to take effect, while new faces and combinations find their way at this level.

For France, they got any rust out of their system last week with a resounding win over Japan and with Antoine Dupont back in harness, their fans will be jumping at the Stade de France as they look to spur on Les Bleus to what would be a record-equalling win streak against the All Blacks that was achieved back in 1994-1995.

It’s an Autumn Nations Series clash that promises to be separated by the barest of margins, as injury absences are felt on both sides. But for neutral fans, the talent and attack-mindedness of those on show is set to provide a thrilling Test match that will have viewers on the edge of their seat, both in the stadium and at home.

Where the game will be won

The physical battle will of course be vital and winning that advantage line up front, as well as having a dominant set-piece, are high on the agenda of both countries. The likes of Peato Mauvaka, Emmanuel Meafou and Gregory Alldritt will look to get their team moving while New Zealand’s powerful back-row are all serious carriers.

As well as the gainline battle, we believe moments of attacking brilliance in the backline could be a frequent occurrence, particularly with Les Bleus boasting two fleet-footed wings in Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Gabin Villiere, while the All Blacks will look to Will Jordan, Beauden Barrett and later Damian McKenzie for success.

Last time they met

 

What they said

All Blacks assistant coach Scott Hansen was in fine form earlier this week when he was asked how the All Blacks would look to stop the great Dupont this Saturday.

“Ask the coach not to play him,” he quipped in a response met with laughter before he lauded Dupont and what he brings, not just to his teams but to the sport.

“He’s fantastic, he’s great for the game.

“His love and passion for the game, you want to see him on the field. You want to see superstars. It’s what grows the game. It’s what makes young girls and boys want to play rugby and we want to see him play.”

Meanwhile, France head coach Fabien Galthie discussed one of the changes he has made to his team as Romain Buros came in at full-back for Leo Barre this week.

“(Buros) is in form with his club, he’s been in form when he trains with us, and he’s full of confidence,” Galthie said. “Leo fell a little bit short and that is why it was time for Romain to get the jersey.

“It’s a dream (come true for him). There isn’t a player in France who wouldn’t want to play this match. Romain is very good in the air and there will probably be 30 kicks to contest against the All Blacks.”

Players to watch

We’ll get to the incredible scrum-half shortly but, if France are to secure victory, they will need a typically rock solid showing, both around the field and off the tee, from Thomas Ramos. Such an assured goal-kicker, Les Bleus will require Ramos to be at his reliable best as we expect them to take every point available to them.

Elsewhere, back-row Paul Boudehent is rewarded for his physical shift off the bench last weekend with a start and will again need to bring that to the fore, while on the flip side the likes of Gregory Alldritt, Emmanuel Meafou and Peato Mauvaka must be prominent figures in order for France to come out on top.

For New Zealand, we’re fascinated by how their back-row trio of Samipeni Finau, Ardie Savea and Wallace Sititi will perform, the latter in his preferred number eight jersey. Many have clamoured for Savea and Sititi in these roles and perhaps we are getting a glimpse of the long-term future in Saint-Denis this weekend.

In the backline, a game doesn’t go by without Will Jordan slicing through opposition defences at will while it’s a huge opportunity for Cam Roigard at number nine and Beauden Barrett returning at fly-half. The French must also be wary of the impact Damian McKenzie is set to bring off the bench late in the Test.

Main head-to-heads

The best scrum-half in world rugby meets one who is looking to take on that mantle one day in the not too distant future. All eyes will be on Antoine Dupont against Cam Roigard on Saturday in what promises to be an all-action tussle between two box office number nines who could well decide this international.

Both men boast excellent running games and slick service but it is the sheer audacity of Dupont at times that sets him apart – see last week’s comeback performance.

Elsewhere, the battle at number eight is another that catches the eye where Gregory Alldritt will square off against one of the stars of the Autumn Nations Series so far, Wallace Sititi. Sititi’s on-field form and impressive poise in front of the media has stood out this month and he looks the real deal at this level.

Prediction

New Zealand certainly have their tails up at the moment after a solid tour to date and with some crucial players such as Damian Penaud and Romain Ntamack missing for France, one feels like this is a fantastic opportunity for the All Blacks to strike in their penultimate match. All Blacks to win by two points.

Previous results

2023: France won 27-13 in Saint-Denis

2021: France won 40-25 in Saint-Denis

2018: New Zealand won 49-14 in Dunedin

2018: New Zealand won 26-13 in Wellington

2018: New Zealand won 52-11 in Auckland

2017: New Zealand won 38-18 in Saint-Denis

2016: New Zealand won 24-19 in Saint-Denis

2015: New Zealand won 62-13 in Cardiff

2013: New Zealand won 26-19 in Saint-Denis

2013: New Zealand won 24-9 in New Plymouth

The teams

France: 15 Romain Buros, 14 Gabin Villiere, 13 Gael Fickou, 12 Yoram Moefana, 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 10 Thomas Ramos, 9 Antoine Dupont, 8 Gregory Aldritt, 7 Alexandre Roumat, 6 Paul Boudehent, 5 Emmanuel Meafou, 4 Thibaud Flament, 3 Tevita Tatafu, 2 Peato Mauvaka, 1 Jean-Baptiste Gros

Replacements: 16 Julien Marchand, 17 Reda Wardi, 18 Georges-Henri Colombe, 19 Romain Taofifenua, 20 Mickael Guillard, 21 Charles Ollivon, 22 Nolann le Garrec, 23 Emilen Gailleton

New Zealand: 15 Will Jordan, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Wallace Sititi, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Samipeni Finau, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Scott Barrett (c), 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Tamaiti Williams

Replacements: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Peter Lakai, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Damian McKenzie

Date: Saturday, November 16

Venue: Stade de France, Paris

Kick-off: 21:10 local (20:10 GMT, 09:10 NZDT)

Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)

Assistant Referees: Matthew Carley (England), Andrea Piardi (Italy)

TMO: Marius Jonker (South Africa)