France and Namibia will face off in their second match of the 2023 Rugby World Cup on Thursday, September 21st at the Stade de Marseille in Marseille, France. France are the favorites to win the tournament, while Namibia are looking to make a statement and record their first ever Rugby World Cup victory.
How to watch on TV and online
TV
- USA: NBC
- UK: ITV, S4C
- Australia: Stan Sport
- France: TF1, M6, France TV
- Namibia: SUPERSPORT
Online
- USA: FuboTV, SlingTV, Peacock, DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV
- UK: ITVX
- Japan: DAZAN
- Selected matches: RUGBYPASS TV
CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW RWC 2023 LIVE!
Match Preview
France will be looking to start their Rugby World Cup campaign with a bang against Namibia. They will want to score a lot of points and build confidence ahead of tougher matches later in the tournament.
Namibia will be looking to make a statement against France. They will want to show that they can compete with the best teams in the world. Namibia will also want to avoid a heavy defeat, as they will need to get points on the board if they want to qualify for the knockout stages.
France
France are one of the most exciting teams in world rugby right now. They are ranked third in the world and have a star-studded squad that includes Antoine Dupont, Damian Penaud, and Gael Fickou. France are also the reigning Six Nations champions.
France will be looking to start their Rugby World Cup campaign with a bang against Namibia. They will want to score a lot of points and build confidence ahead of tougher matches later in the tournament.
Lineups
Thomas Ramos, Damian Penaud, Gael Fickou, Jonathan Danty, Louis Bielle-Biarry, Matthieu Jalibert, Antoine Dupont; Anthony Jelonch, Charles Ollivon, Francois Cros, Thibaud Flament, Cameron Woki, Uini Atonio, Peato Mauvaka, Cyril Baille
Replacements: Pierre Bourgarit, Reda Wardi, Dorian Aldegheri, Romain Taofifenua, Paul Boudehent, Baptiste Couilloud, Yoram Moefana, Melvyn Jaminet
Namibia
Namibia are ranked 21st in the world and are one of the underdogs of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. However, they have a good team spirit and are very physical. Namibia are also well-coached by Dave Rennie, who has a good track record with developing teams.
Namibia will be looking to make a statement against France. They will want to show that they can compete with the best teams in the world. Namibia will also want to avoid a heavy defeat, as they will need to get points on the board if they want to qualify for the knockout stages.
Lineups
Andre van den Berg, Gerswin Mouton, Johan Deysel (capt.), Danco Burger, JC Greyling, Cliven Loubser, Jacques Theron; Prince Gaoseb, Johan Retief, Max Katjijeko, Adriaan Ludick, Mahepisa Tjeriko, Aranos Coetzee, Louis van der Westhuizen, Desiderius Sethie.
Replacements: Obert Nortje, Jason Benade, Haitembu Shikufa, Pieter-Jan van Lil, Richard Hardwick, Oela Blaauw, Alcino Izaacs, Divan Rossouw.
Prediction
France are the clear favorites to win this match. They have a much better team than Namibia and are playing on home soil. However, Namibia are a physical and well-coached team, so they should not be underestimated.
France should win this match by a comfortable margin, but Namibia will be looking to avoid a heavy defeat and get some points on the board.
Key Battles
Antoine Dupont vs Wian Conradie
Antoine Dupont is one of the best scrum-halves in the world. He is quick, skillful, and has a great vision for the game. Wian Conradie is a good scrum-half, but he is not at the same level as Dupont.
Damian Penaud vs Cliven Loubser
Damian Penaud is one of the most exciting wingers in world rugby. He is fast, skillful, and has a great eye for the try line. Cliven Loubser is a good winger, but he is not at the same level as Penaud.
Gael Fickou vs Adriaan Booysen
Gael Fickou is one of the best centers in world rugby. He is strong, skillful, and has a great defensive game. Adriaan Booysen is a good center, but he is not at the same level as Fickou.
Conclusion
France are the clear favorites to win this match. They have a much better team than Namibia and are playing on home soil. However, Namibia are a physical and well-coached team, so they should not be underestimated.
France should win this match by a comfortable margin, but Namibia will be looking to avoid a heavy defeat and get some points on the board.