Lebanon v France betting tips and prediction
Welcome to our Lebanon v France betting tips and prediction for their Rugby League World Cup match at CommBank Stadium in Sydney on Sunday afternoon.
Lebanon are extremely short 1.03 favourites with betting sites to defeat France (12.50), with both teams already eliminated from the tournament after losing their opening two matches.
The Cedars began their campaign with a 42-18 defeat to Papua New Guinea, before being held scoreless in a 36-0 loss to Tonga last weekend.
France have been absolutely dreadful, conceding 160 points in two matches, including a 78-4 thrashing by Samoa and an embarrassing 82-0 defeat to England.
The French have scored just one try in the tournament and look completely outclassed against teams boasting NRL talent.
Lebanon have hardly set the world on fire themselves, but they possess considerably more attacking firepower, particularly out wide with Jason Saab, Jacob Kiraz and Tony Francis.
Michael Cheika’s side will be without injured playmaker Khaled Rajab, with Joseph Nohra coming into the halves, while France have also been forced into changes following their disastrous opening two matches.
Neither side can advance to the semi-finals, but Lebanon should have far too much class for a French outfit that has offered very little resistance.
Lebanon v France betting tips
WGL’s rugby league betting expert has assessed the market and found some value Lebanon v France betting tips:
Jason Saab to score two or more tries
The giant winger has the pace to absolutely destroy this French defence, which has conceded 28 tries across its opening two matches. Saab is paying just 1.16 to score anytime, which offers very little value, but we think he could enjoy a big afternoon against France. Lebanon should create plenty of opportunities out wide and Saab will be one of their main attacking weapons. Take him for two tries, with three certainly not out of the question.
Under 57.5 total points
France have been leaking points at an alarming rate, but Lebanon have hardly been an attacking powerhouse themselves. The Cedars have managed just 18 points across their opening two matches and will be without regular playmaker Khaled Rajab. While Lebanon should win comfortably, we are not convinced they have the attacking combinations to put 60 points on the board. France might also find a way to cross the line, but we still like under 57.5 total points, which is paying 1.90 with bookmakers.
Jacob Kiraz anytime try-scorer
The Canterbury Bulldogs star has been named at fullback and should enjoy plenty of opportunities against a French defence that has been torn apart throughout the tournament. Kiraz is paying 1.40 with Betway.com (Betway review) to score anytime, which is not a huge price, but he should be heavily involved in Lebanon’s attacking movements. His ability to support through the middle and finish attacking opportunities makes him an attractive selection.
Lebanon v France prediction
Lebanon will be desperate to finish their World Cup campaign with a victory after two disappointing performances. France have been completely outclassed by Samoa and England, and it is difficult to see them offering much resistance here. However, Lebanon have struggled to score points themselves and we cannot see them producing the sort of attacking performance required to cover the 31.5-point line comfortably. Our final Lebanon v France prediction? Lebanon 42 defeat France 10.
