France vs New Zealand: Rugby World Cup kick-off time, TV channels, team news, lineups, venue, odds today
Two of the best teams in the world meet in a thrilling clash at the start of Pool A. Both teams hope to prove their title credentials early in the fight for the famous Web Ellis Cup.
France has never won a World Cup before, but has been one of the strongest teams in the world in recent years. During this time, the team ended their decade-plus wait for Six Nations victory with a Grand Slam in 2022.
First up for Fabien Galthie’s side is an All Blacks team that won the Rugby Championship and finished third four years ago when trying to win three World Cups in a row, losing in the semi-finals in Japan dominant England was defeated.
Despite being dismantled by South Africa in the final warm-up game at Twickenham, New Zealand are expected to be back at the top of the list of tournament leaders.
Date, kick-off time and venue
France vs New Zealand takes place tonight, Friday 8 September 2023, with kick-off scheduled for 8:15pm BST.
The first game of the tournament will take place at the Stade de France in Paris after the opening ceremony, which begins at 7 p.m.
Where to watch France vs New Zealand?
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be broadcast live on free-to-air channel ITV1, with coverage starting at 6:45 p.m.
Live broadcast: Fans can also watch a free live stream online via the ITVX website and app.
Live blog: Follow all the action with Standard sportis the dedicated live match blog, with rugby correspondent Nick Purewal on site to provide expert analysis.
Team news France vs New Zealand
Controversy erupted in the French camp after influential lock Paul Willemse’s hamstring injury led to Montpellier teammate Bastien Chalureau being called up despite being convicted of a racially motivated attack in 2020.
Fly-half Romain Ntamack has also been ruled out of the World Cup after tearing his cruciate ligament in the warm-up game 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, Danty is missing, Matthieu Jalibert is 10. In the field, Cameron Woki and Reda Wardi replace Willemse – who will miss the tournament entirely – and Baille. Chalureau is currently not in the squad.
Scrum-half supremo Antoine Dupont leads the Les Bleus attack as captain and face of this World Cup.
The All Blacks have called up lock Brodie Retallick, although he is out for the game with a knee injury, while Braydon Ennor (knee) and winger Emoni Narawa, who will miss the entire tournament, are unavailable.
There are a total of four changes to the starting XI from the Springboks’ 35-7 defeat, with head coach Ian Foster bringing in center Anton Lienert-Brown, prop Nepo Laulala, hooker Codie Taylor and one-cap flanker Dalton Papalii.
Scott Barrett starts against South Africa despite being sent off, but brother Jordie is injured. Tyrel Lomax and Dane Coles are missing, Luke Jacobson is on the bench.
Lineups France vs. New Zealand
France XV: Ramos; Penaud, Fickou, Moefana, Villiere; Jalibert, Dupont (c); Wardi, Marchand, Atonio; Woki, Flament; Cros, Ollivon, Alldritt
Substitute: 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
Substitute: Taukei’aho, Tu’ungafasi, Newell, Vaa’i, Jacobson, Christie, Havili, Fainga’anuku
France vs New Zealand prediction
Les Bleus have been notoriously rugby’s most inconsistent team over the decades. Brilliant and mind-blowing one minute, confusing nonsense the next.
But with the full support of Paris behind them, they have the cunning and experience necessary to start the World Cup with a massive victory and cement their title ambitions.
France wins by seven points.
Head-to-head history (h2h) and results
France ended a 14-game losing streak with a win in their last meeting, a 2021 end-of-year test.
France wins: 13
New Zealand wins: 48
Draws: 1
Latest France vs New Zealand odds
France wins: 5/6
New Zealand wins: Evens
Draw: 16/1
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/rugby/france-vs-new-zealand-rugby-world-cup-2023-kick-off-time-tv-channel-live-stream-team-news-lineups-odds-today-b1104703.html France vs New Zealand: Rugby World Cup kick-off time, TV channels, team news, lineups, venue, odds today
