Thomas Ramos and Damian Penaud inspired hosts France to a stunning start with a 27-13 win over New Zealand in the first game of the Rugby World Cup
Rugby World Cups are not won or lost on the tournament’s first night but the opening fixture can often set the tone. On a sweltering evening in Saint-Denis, this was a game played in the most electric of sporting atmospheres, an early clue as to what awaits in the knockout stages. If the crowds for the rest of this competition are half as enthusiastic as this, it is going to be a truly thunderous event.
New Zealand’s night took an unscheduled turn even before the game commenced when the skipper Sam Cane dropped out of the starting lineup with an injury, prompting an enforced reshuffle in the back-row and the surprise bench return of the previously sidelined Brodie Retallick. Cane has had his travails as All Black skipper and here was another huge disappointment.
It was also more than hot enough to be alarmed for the well-being of the jacketed extras and acrobats involved in an energetic opening ceremony. World Rugby had officially confirmed an extra permitted water break for the players per half, with additional water and cold towels also provided. You don’t need too many of the latter in New Zealand’s South Island at this time of year.
While New Zealand might also have won each of their last three World Cup meetings with France, this felt like a very different kettle of poisson. Even without the injured Romain Ntamack, Paul Willemse, Cyril Baille and Jonathan Danty, they still had the brilliant Antoine Dupont, so relaxed before kick-off there was footage on French television of him snoozing on the team bus as it headed to the ground.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines 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 »
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 »
France 27-13 New Zealand: Rugby World Cup 2023France staked their claim as World Cup contenders as they fought back to beat the All Blacks in the Paris opener. Join Luke McLaughlin
Read more »