France host Fiji in Lyon on Saturday evening as Round 4 of the Nations Championship continues. The French lead the Northern Hemisphere standings after the opening three rounds and will be looking to strengthen their position ahead of important home matches against South Africa and Argentina.
Fiji have struggled in the competition so far, but with former Springbok coach Jake White now in charge, there will be plenty of interest in how they perform during the November internationals.
France vs Fiji, Saturday 7th November, Groupama Stadium, Lyon, KO 22:10 (South African time)
Referee: Karl Dickson (England)
Assistant Referees: Damián Schneider (Argentina), Katsuki Furuse (Japan)
TMO: Ian Tempest (England)
Weather Forecast – Lyon
France
France lead the Northern Hemisphere standings with 12 points from two wins and one defeat, one point ahead of Scotland.
They opened their Nations Championship campaign with a narrow 34–32 defeat to New Zealand in Auckland before bouncing back to beat Australia 42-26. They finished the July window with a convincing 42–15 victory over Japan in Tokyo.
The French have scored 116 points in their opening three matches and will be pleased to return home for the November leg of the competition.
They have an excellent record against Fiji, with their only defeat in recent years coming in November 2018, when Fiji pulled off a memorable 21–14 upset in Paris. The teams were also scheduled to meet in the 2020 Autumn Nations Cup, but that match was cancelled due to COVID-19 cases in the Fiji squad, with France awarded a 28–0 victory.
Their most recent meeting was in November 2025, when France won 34–21 in Bordeaux.
France are 13/4 to win the Nations Championship.
Nations Championship Results and Fixtures:
R1 New Zealand (a) LOST 32–34
R2 Australia (a) WON 42–26
R3 Japan (a) WON 42–15
R4 Fiji (h) – 7 November
R5 South Africa (h) – To come
R6 Argentina (h) – To come
Fiji
Fiji are bottom of the Southern Hemisphere standings, having lost all three of their Nations Championship matches in July.
They opened with a 39–24 defeat to Wales before going down 73–8 to England. Their final match was a 33–17 loss to Scotland.
The Fijians have struggled defensively, conceding 145 points across their three matches, and face another difficult assignment against the Northern Hemisphere leaders.
There has, however, been a significant change since July, with former Springbok World Cup-winning coach Jake White taking charge of the national side. White has named a new-look squad for the November internationals, and it will be interesting to see what impact he can make.
Fiji's only victory over France came in November 2018, when they pulled off that memorable 21–14 upset in Paris.
Fiji's latest outright price to win the Nations Championship is to be confirmed.
Nations Championship Results and Fixtures:
R1 Wales (h) LOST 24–39
R2 England (h) LOST 8–73
R3 Scotland (h) LOST 17–33
R4 France (a) – 7 November
R5 Ireland (a) – To come
R6 Italy (a) – To come
Recent Head to Head
Nov 2025 – International – Bordeaux – FRANCE 34–21 Fiji
Aug 2023 – International – Nantes – FRANCE 34–17 Fiji
Nov 2020 – Autumn Nations Cup – FRANCE 28–0 Fiji (awarded victory; match cancelled due to COVID-19)
Nov 2018 – International – Paris – France 14–21 FIJI
Nov 2014 – International – Marseille – FRANCE 40–15 Fiji
Team News
France: 15 Théo Attissogbe, 14 Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang, 13 Kalvin Gourgues, 12 Yoram Moefana, 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 10 Romain Ntamack, 9 Antoine Dupont (c), 8 François Cros, 7 Paul Boudehent, 6 Cameron Woki, 5 Mickaël Guillard, 4 Florian Verhaeghe, 3 Sipili Falatea, 2 Maxime Lamothe, 1 Jean-Baptiste Gros.
Replacements: 16 Peato Mauvaka, 17 Jefferson Poirot, 18 Régis Montagne, 19 Charles Ollivon, 20 Tom Staniforth, 21 Esteban Capilla, 22 Maxime Lucu, 23 Émilien Gailleton
Fiji: 15 Salesi Rayasi, 14 Selestino Ravutaumada, 13 Iosefo Masi, 12 Vinaya Habosi, 11 Jiuta Wainiqolo, 10 Isikeli Rabitu, 9 Simione Kuruvoli, 8 Nathan Hugues, 7 Kitione Salawa, 6 Pita-Gus Sowakula, 5 Isoa Nasilasila, 4 Mesake Vocevoce, 3 Luke Tagi, 2 Tevita Ikanivere (c), 1 Eroni Mawi.
Replacements:16 Zuriel Togiatama, 17 Peni Ravai, 18 Inoke Ravuiwasa, 19 Peceli Yato, 20 Elia Canakaivata, 21 Frank Lomani, 22 Ben Volavola, 23 Sireli Maqala
Team selection to follow.
The Betting
Betting as at 7 November 2026
France -24.5 points
Fiji +24.5 points
Betting Angle
Bet: France v Fiji
Posted 07 November 15h44
Bet: 2 units (1–5), Fiji +24.5 points at 0.93/1 at BetXchange
The handicap has been pretty stable all week, with France giving Fiji a 24.5-point start. The total points line is currently 64.5.
France have a few injury concerns, and it's always difficult to know which Fiji side is going to turn up. On their day, the Fijians can trouble just about anyone, but consistency has never been their strong point.
Fiji have caused France problems in the past, including that famous victory in Paris in 2018, and I think they have enough attacking quality to make a game of this.
This isn't a bet that comes with a huge amount of confidence, but I just feel that 24.5 points is a generous start. If Fiji can stay competitive up front and get some decent possession, they have the backs to cause France problems and hopefully stay within the handicap.
Follow our Nations Championship Week 4 blog for betting-related news and tips throughout the week.
See what other punters fancy and have your say in the Nations Championship Round 4 discussion thread.
Disclaimer: Betting odds and handicaps are correct at the time of writing but may change. Punters should check the latest prices, team news, weather conditions and relevant form before placing their bets.
