Two of the best teams on the planet go head-to-head in a tantalizing match to kick off Pool A, with both teams hoping to provide a big early statement of their title qualifications in pursuit of the famed Web Ellis Cup.
France have never won the World Cup before, but they have been one of the fiercest teams in the world for the past two years, when they ended their wait of more than a decade to win the Six Nations with a Grand Slam in 2022.
Alongside Fabien Galthie are first and foremost the rugby league-winning All Blacks, who finished third four years ago as they bid to win three World Cups in a row, beaten by dominating England in semi-final in Japan.
Despite being dismantled by South Africa in their last warm-up game at Twickenham, New Zealand are once again expected to be among the tournament favourites.
Date, time and place of kick-off
France v New Zealand will take place tonight, Friday 8 September 2023, with a scheduled kick off at 8.15pm BST.
The Stade de France in Paris will host the first match of the tournament after the opening ceremony which begins at 7 p.m.
Where to watch France v New Zealand
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be shown live on free-to-air channel ITV1, from 6.45pm.
Direct: Fans will also be able to watch a free live stream online via the ITVX website and app.
Live Blog: Follow all the action with standard sportsThe blog dedicated to live matches from .
The news of the France vs New Zealand team
A controversy erupted in the French camp after influential lock Paul Willemse’s thigh injury prompted his Montpellier team-mate Bastien Chalureau to be recalled, despite his conviction in 2020 for racially motivated assault.
Fly-half Romain Ntamack was also ruled out of the World Cup after rupturing his cruciate ligaments in the warm-up match against Scotland. Loosehead prop Cyril Baille (calf) and power center Jonathan Danty (hamstring) will both miss the opener.
Galthie starts Yoram Moefana in midfield alongside Gael Fickou with Danty absent, with Matthieu Jalibert at 10. In the peloton, Cameron Woki and Reda Wardi replace Willemse – who will miss the tournament completely – and Baille. Chalureau is not in the team, meanwhile.
Supreme scrum-half Antoine Dupont leads the Les Bleus attack as captain and face of this World Cup.
The All Blacks have brought in second tackle Brodie Retallick despite being absent for the game with a knee injury while Braydon Ennor (knee) is unavailable along with winger Emoni Narawa, who will miss the entire tournament.
There are four changes in total to the starting XV since the 35-7 demolition by the Springboks, with head coach Ian Foster bringing in center Anton Lienert-Brown, prop Nepo Laulala, hooker Codie Taylor and flanker to a Dalton Papalii selection.
Scott Barrett starts despite being sent off against South Africa, but his brother Jordie is injured. Tyrel Lomax and Dane Coles are out, with Luke Jacobson dropping to the bench.
Lineups France vs New Zealand
XV of France: Ramos; Penaud, Fickou, Moefana, Villiere; Jalibert, Dupont (c); Wardi, Marchand, Atonio; Woki, Flament; Cros, Ollivon, Alldritt
Replacements: Mauvaka, Gros, Aldegheri, Taofifenua, Boudehent, Lucu, Vincent, Jaminet
New Zealand: B Barrett; Jordan, Ioane, Lienert-Brown, Telea; Mo’unga, Smith; De Groot, Taylor, Laulala; Whitelock, S Barrett; Papalii, cane (c), Savea
Substitutes: Taukei’aho, Tu’ungafasi, Newell, Vaa’i, Jacobson, Christie, Havili, Fainga’anuku
Prediction France vs New Zealand
The Blues are notoriously rugby’s ultimate team over the decades; bright and dazzling one minute, confusing the next.
However, with the full backing of the Parisians, they have the trickery and the experience to kick off the World Cup with a huge victory and assert their title intentions.
France wins, by seven points.
Head-to-head history and results (h2h)
France ended a 14-game losing streak with a victory in their last meeting, a year-end test in 2021.
France wins: 13
New Zealand wins: 48
Draws: 1
Latest France vs New Zealand Odds
France winner: 5/6
New Zealand win: Evens
Draw: 16/1
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
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