HOW DO YOU GET THERE: There’s no better way to start a tournament than watching France and the All Blacks go head-to-head. Not just because of what they represent in the world of rugby, but also because they are considered favorites to win the title.
France, with a game that has turned 360 degrees since the arrival of Fabien Galthie as driver. The Gauls were once again among the world’s rugby elite, beating New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and the 6 Nations European teams in their cycle.
New Zealand is always a candidate. Aside from a few setbacks in Ian Foster’s cycle, the All Blacks were never to be favorites. They won the rugby championship and went undefeated in the earlier stage of the tournament but ended up suffering a categorical loss to the Springboks at Twickenham.
France-New Zealand will be one of the best debuts in World Cup history as well as the winner will emerge from this clash that will determine the quarter-finals which could be between South Africa, Ireland or Scotland .
BACKGROUND
IN THE HISTORY: They played 62 games, with 48 wins for the players in black, 13 for France and one draw.
They have not met since November 20, 2021, when the French recorded one of the best victories in their history, 40-25 in Saint Denis. The Men in Black have not won in Paris since the November 2017 window, going 38-18.
The French and New Zealanders have a long history at World Cups. They played two finals (1987 and 2011), one semifinal (1991), one third place (2003) and two quarterfinals (2015 and 2007).
In all, they have met seven times, with five wins for the Kiwis and two for Les Bleus.
IN RWC:
10/17/2015 – Quarterfinals – New Zealand 62 – France 13
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff (Gales)
10/23/2011 – Final – New Zealand 8 – France 7
Eden Park, Auckland (New Zealand)
09/24/2011 – Group A – New Zealand 37 vs. France 17
Eden Park, Auckland (New Zealand)
10/06/2007 – Quarterfinals – France 20 vs. New Zealand 18
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff (Gales)
11/20/2003 – Bronze Medal – New Zealand 40 vs. France 13
Stadium Australia, Sydney (Australia)
10/31/1999 – Semifinals – France 43 vs. New Zealand 31
Twickenham, London
06/20/1987 – Final – New Zealand 29 vs. France 9
Eden Park, Auckland (New Zealand)
THE FORMATIONS
France: 15.Thomas Ramos; 14th Damian Penaud, 13th Gael Fickou, 12th Yoram Moefana, 11th Gabin Villiere; 10. Matthieu Jalibert, 9. Antoine Dupont (c); 6. Francois Cros 7. Charles Ollivon, 8. Gregor Alldritt; 5. Thiboud Flament, 4. Cameron Woki; 3.Uini Atonio, 2.Julien Marchand, 1.Reda Wardi.
Substitutes: 16 Peato Mauvaka, 17 Jean-Baptiste Gros, 18 Dorian Aldegheri, 19 Ramayn Taofifenua, 20 Paul Boudehent, 21 Maxime Lucu, 22 Arthur Vincent, 23 Melvyn Jaminet.
HC: Fabian Galthie
New Zealand: 15. Beauden Barrett; 14. Will Jordan, 13. Rieko Ioane, 12. Anton Lienert-Brown, 11. Mark Telea; 10.Ricie Mo’unga, 9.Aaron Smith; 8th Ardie Savea, 7th Sam Cane (c), 6th Dalton Papali’i; 5.Scott Barrett, 4.Samuel Whitelock; 3.Nepo Laulala, 2.Codie Taylor, 1.Ethan de Groot.
Substitutes: 16th Samson Taukei’aho, 17th Ofa Tu’ungfasi, 18th Fletcher Newell, 19th Tupou Vaa’i; 20th Luke Jacobson, 21st Finlay Christie, 22nd Davis Havili, 23rd Leicester Fainga’Anuku
HC: Ian Foster
referee: Jaco Peyper (SARU)
Assistant Referee 1: Karl Dickson (RFU)
Assistant Referee 2: Christophe Ridley (RFU)
TMO: Tom Foley (RFU)
