The tournament kicks off in the French capital with a match worthy of a final - and in fact that has been the case at the 1987 and 2011 editions.
New Zealand and France has been described as the greatest rivalry in Rugby World Cup history and it’s hard to argue the toss with that call.
Early exit: The New Zealand players are dejected following defeat in the 2007 World Cup quarter-final against France.In the semi-finals in 1999, the French fell behind early but scored 31 unanswered points and overwhelmed the world no.1 New Zealand side in a major upset. New Zealand won their other clashes at World Cups in a 2015 quarter-final, a pool game in 2011 and a bronze medal game in 2003.France have lost 14 of their last 15 Tests against New Zealand but the solitary win came in their most recent clash, when France won 40-25 in 2021 in Paris.
There is not a seat free in the stadium and you can barely hear yourself think. Standing a few rows down from me is the Stan Sport crew, with lead commentator Sean Maloney, who will bring you all the action back in Australia.The big injury news from Paris is that All Blacks skipper Sam Cane is out of the opening match. He has hurt his back during New Zealand’s captain’s run yesterday. They did well to keep that quiet 24 hours out from kick-off against the red-hot hosts.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Rugby World Cup LIVE: France v New Zealand at Stade de FranceThe tournament kicks off in the French capital with a match worthy of a final - and in fact that has been the case at the 1987 and 2011 editions.
Read more »
Rugby World Cup LIVE: France v New Zealand at Stade de FranceThe tournament kicks off in the French capital with a match worthy of a final - and in fact that has been the case at the 1987 and 2011 editions.
Read more »
Historic racism allegation rocks Rugby World Cup host FranceHistoric racism allegation rocks Rugby World Cup host
Read more »
France v New Zealand: Rugby World Cup 2023Who will come out on top when the hosts take on the All Blacks at the Stade de France? Join Luke McLaughlin
Read more »
Everything you need to know about the 2023 Rugby World CupThe players to watch, the teams to back and how to tell a ruck from a scrum as the tournament kicks off in France
Read more »
Jones brings in Donaldson for Kellaway in Australia’s Rugby World Cup openerThe Australia coach, Eddie Jones, has named the place-kicking full-back Ben Donaldson in a full-strength side for their World Cup opener against Georgia on Saturday
Read more »