Stan Hey: 6-5 Against
Mixed French aims make them worth a punt
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.When the draw was made for the Rugby World Cup, the match between New Zealand and France stood out as the most compelling in the competition's early stages.
France have twice been the agents of the All Blacks' demise in World Cups – in the semi-finals in 1999 (43-31), then in the quarter-finals in 2007 (20-18).
The game isn't a knockout this time but the French have been accused of trying to take advantage of Ireland's win over Australia by picking a not-quite first XV, in order to finesse a defeat that allows them to avoid the other two Tri-Nations teams in the semis. Bookies (Bet 365, Sportingbet) make France 10-1 shots accordingly, with New Zealand 1-10 with Coral. At that price, £10 has to go on France, with England impossible to back at 1-500 against Romania.
Tomorrow's games, and prices, in the NFL are more competitive, with three volatile divisional encounters catching the eye. Philadelphia may risk quarterback Michael Vick against the New York Giants after he suffered concussion last week and should exploit the Giants' injury-hit defence; the Chicago Bears host arch-rivals Green Bay and their running back Matt Forte might edge them home; while Tampa Bay, comeback winners at Minnesota, can down the Falcons – a £10 win treble pays just under £64.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments