France no longer favourites with the bookmakers after Ntamack injury

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.