French defeat predicted by New Zealand premier
June 28, 2001

New Zealand's Prime Minister Helen Clark has predicted a narrow win for the All Blacks in their rugby Test against France in Wellington on Saturday.

Clark has forecast a 33-27 win for the home team."Recent matches between the two countries have been tense, hard fought and, dare I say it, heart-breaking affairs. They've also been notable for the high quality of the rugby, and I hope we see a similarly exhilarating match this Saturday," Clark said in a statement.

Clark has not previously been known as an expert on rugby union, or any
sport for that matter.The state-owned betting agency TAB is predicting an easier All Black win of 43-18.

"This is such a hard result to determine because of the unpredictability of the French. I think the combination of the tough Test matches and arduous travel will count against the Frenchmen," betting manager, Neil Sorenson said.

Nathan Sanders, who won 67,000 NZ (27,800 US) dollars picking the French
to beat the All Blacks by 12 points in the 1999 World Cup semi-final, is
tipping the All Blacks to win 34-16 this time.

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