The Rugby World Cup 2023 kicks off tonight in France with a heavyweight conflict between the hosts and the All Blacks, two groups tipped to go far within the event. It must be an in depth, enthralling recreation to start out seven weeks of rugby with a bang. Paris is sweltering forward of kick-off, with temperatures reaching 35C within the French capital, and issues will solely get hotter contained in the stadium by the point the All Blacks carry out the haka, with Les Bleus not all the time probably the most accommodating within the face of the ritual.
Either manner, New Zealand have a degree to show, and tonight on the Stade de France could be no higher time or place to do it, after being handed the most important defeat of their historical past by South Africa two weeks in the past. The All Blacks are three-time world champions however solely as soon as have they conquered all on international soil. France are on the lookout for their first event win, and have hardly ever been higher positioned to take action.
France have been remodeled by Fabien Galthie, and have misplaced simply as soon as on dwelling soil in the course of the head coach's reign, whereas New Zealand have by no means misplaced a World Cup pool recreation - one thing has to provide tonight. Follow the sport LIVE beneath with our devoted match weblog because the Rugby World Cup kicks off in Paris!
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Fans are beginning to arrive on the Stade de France forward of the opening ceremony. The recreation doesn’t kick off for an additional 100 minutes or so.
Before the true motion kicks off, we can be handled to the event opening ceremony.
Oscar-winning actor Jean Dujardin will lead the proceedings, having additionally co-written the ceremony, together with "thirty individuals who embody France’s culture".
There can be 44 dancers and acrobats and 240 volunteers supporting folks from French movie, music, dance, city tradition, gastronomy and craftsmanship, to pay tribute to rugby and "the values that go with it", whereas paying tribute to well-known French filmmaker and actor Jacques Tati.
That is because of get underway at 7pm.
Les Bleus have notoriously been rugby’s final mercurial facet over the many years; good and dazzling one minute, befuddlingly garbage the following.
However, with the total Parisian backing behind them, they've the guile and expertise mandatory to start out the World Cup with an infinite win to state their title intentions.
France to win, by seven factors.
Anton Lienert-Brown is in for the injured Jordie Barrett at inside centre as New Zealand make three modifications.
Barrett has been scuffling with a knee drawback and didn't prepare this week so Lienert-Brown will play his second check of the 12 months alongside Rieko Ioane in midfield.
Codie Taylor returns at hooker after a hamstring problem and Nepo Laulala is available in at tighthead prop for Tyrel Lomax, who wanted 30 stitches in a reduce to his leg after the crushing loss to South Africa in New Zealand's remaining warm-up.
In the again row, Dalton Papali'i, who often performs on the openside, begins as blindside flanker with Shannon Frizell nonetheless dominated out by a hamstring problem.
New Zealand: B Barrett; Jordan, Ioane, Lienert-Brown, Telea; Mo’unga, Smith; De Groot, Taylor, Laulala; Whitelock, S Barrett; Papalii, Cane (c), Savea
Replacements: Taukei’aho, Tu’ungafasi, Newell, Vaa’i, Jacobson, Christie, Havili, Fainga’anuku
Yoram Moefana replaces the injured Jonathan Danty at centre for France tonight, Antoine Dupont and Matthieu Jalibert paired up within the center.
Les Bleus will even should do with out prop Cyril Baille and fly-half Romain Ntamack, who're lacking out on the event by way of harm.
"We're getting into this match with the best France team," head coach Fabien Galthie mentioned. "This match will be a party, a joy, an immense happiness, it's marvellous. An invisible force needs to be born in these moments.
“The watchword is to play, to enjoy ourselves, to love each other a lot. We're feeling very light, very happy to play this game."
France XV: 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
TV channel: In the UK, tonight’s recreation can be proven reside on free-to-air channel ITV1, with protection beginning at 6:45pm BST forward of an 8:15pm kick-off.
The opening ceremony on the Stade de France begins at 7pm.
Live stream: Fans will even be capable of watch a free reside stream on-line through the ITVX web site and app.
Good night and welcome to the Evening Standard’s LIVE protection of the Rugby World Cup 2023 opener between France and New Zealand.
We may barely have wished for a extra attractive first recreation to kick off seven weeks of rugby, that includes 20 nations from 5 continents.
Both groups tonight have designs on successful the event. France have misplaced three earlier finals, whereas the All Blacks are on the lookout for a document fourth victory.
Kick-off is at 8.15pm on the Stade de France, and we can be handled to the opening ceremony beforehand. Stick with us.
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