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France no longer favourites with the bookmakers after Ntamack injury
By Kim Ekin
World Cup host nation France have lost the favourites tag with the bookmakers after a devastating double blow losing flyhalf Romain Ntamack and prop Cyril Baillie to injury.
On the eve of the World Cup the key injuries came in France's warm-up clash with Scotland where they fielded a near-full strength side.
In a statement, the FFR writes: “Romain Ntamack was hit in the left knee and had to leave the field. Imaging performed this morning diagnosed a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament. Consequently, Romain Ntamack will be forfeited for the World Cup.”
New Zealand have now firmed as favourites with many betting agencies including at home with the New Zealand TAB at $3.50 as outright winners.
France are second while Ireland are third despite being the world's number one ranked side.
It is a similar pattern with UK's Bet365, Betfair, Skybet and Paddy Power all installing New Zealand as favourites.
Malta-based Unibet, BetUK and SportingIndex were the only bookmakers to have New Zealand and France as equal favourites.
The defending champions South Africa are ranked fourth.
France have two warm-up matches remaining, against Fiji and Australia, and now have to decide whether to rest other stars like Antoine Dupont to avoid catastrophe before the home Rugby World Cup.
New Zealand play just one game against South Africa at Twickenham in two weeks while Ireland have matches against England and Samoa.
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Latest Comments
Paddy T is playing the best footy of his career off the bench, and he’s a leader.
Straight swap: Paddy in for Scott, Scott to the bench.
But I’m loving Tuipolotu as an impact sub.
Go to commentsWhats that team then? Are Clarke or Tele'a likely to come back? Proctor didn't return to the squad did he?
I'd like see the young fullbacks play fullback, and so Jordan cover on the wing instead. Even seeing Reiks on the other wing would be cool, Reece can go back on the bench if theres even room for him there.
So preferably it would be ALB and second five where he came of the bench in the weekend and was great. He's a bit slow on the play for outside center but looks like he might need to play there if we need wingers.
Cane really sounds like he'll bit fit, is he going to want to play? I'd really like to see Kirifi earn a cap if Lakai was the only 7 (Ardie has to be all used up/finished for the year). Which young lock are we going to see come in?
No team lists here, that's kid games...
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