New Zealand v Namibia RWC betting tips – Rugby World Cup 2023

New Zealand vs Namibia RWC 2023 preview

In the second round of the pool stage, heavyweights New Zealand will be looking to collect their first win of the 2023 Rugby World Cup as they take on minnows Namibia at the Stadium de Toulouse.

The All Blacks suffered a shock defeat in their tournament opener, going down by 14 points to hosts France. In their first-ever defeat in the pool stage at a World Cup, the New Zealanders were uncharacteristically sloppy, conceding 12 penalties compared to just four from the French. Winger Mark Telea was one positive for the Kiwis, scoring a try at the start of each half.

Although disappointing, the All Blacks would still be confident in their chances to reach the quarter finals as runners-up in their pool, with substantial wins expected in each of their remaining matches against Uruguay, Italy and Namibia.

Namibia faced off against Italy in their opening match of the World Cup, going down 52-8 in a disappointing second-half performance. After a promising start, the Namibians trailed by just nine points at halftime. However, the positives ended there as they conceded 35 unanswered points in the second half.

Having never won a match in their six previous Rugby World Cup appearances, Namibia are up against it once again. The African side still has to face powerhouses New Zealand and France in the pool stage.

A late withdrawal last weekend, All Blacks captain Sam Cane is once again expected to miss this weekend, while centre Jordie Barrett, flanker Shannon Frizell and prop Tyrel Lomax are not expected to be risked for this match.

NZ vs Namibia RWC 2023 betting predictions

These two sides have met each other at the previous two Rugby World Cups, with New Zealand winning by 44 and 62 points. However, with the line set at 69.5 points and the All Blacks’ form looking extremely shaky, we are going to back Namibia at the +69.5 handicap.

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