FRA vs NZ - Match d'ouverture de la coupe du monde de rugby 2023

...before reading further, first test your knowledge with this wee (or should that be petit) quiz - how many times previously have "Le XV de France" and the "All Blacks" faced off in a RWC: 4 vs 5 vs 6 ?

Date & Venue : Friday, September 8 at Stade de France, Saint-Denis

Kick-off: 21:15 local (20:15 BST, 19:15 GMT)

Referees: Jaco Peyper (South Africa), Karl Dickson (England) & Christophe Ridley (England), Tom Foley (England)

FRANCE: 15 Thomas Ramos, 14 Damian Penaud, 13 Gael Fickou, 12 Yoram Moefana, 11 Gabin Villiere, 10 Matthieu Jalibert, 9 Antoine Dupont (c), 8 Gregory Alldritt, 7 Charles Ollivon, 6 Francois Cros, 5 Thibaud Flament, 4 Cameron Woki, 3 Uini Atonio, 2 Julien Marchand, 1 Reda Wardi

Replacements: 16 Peato Mauvaka, 17 Jean-Baptiste Gros, 18 Dorian Aldegheri, 19 Romain Taofifenua, 20 Paul Boudehent, 21 Maxime Lucu 22 Arthur Vincent, 23 Melvyn Jaminet

NEW ZEALAND: 15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 Mark Telea, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Dalton Papali’i, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Sam Whitelock, 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot

Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Tupou Vaa’i, 20 Luke Jacobson 21 Finlay Christie, 22 David Havili, 23 Leicester Fainga’nuku

Here we go folk, the 10th edition of the RWC kicks off with one of the classic rivalries that has given us a number of memorable matches in previous editions. Rugby has changed quite bit since 1987. This was the year I first started watching rugby. Back then, kickers used sand, you had to have both feet on the ground to take a mark, actual rucking was standard, players were only replaced for injury, there was no "use it or lose it" for a maul and so on.

France will be looking to win a first ever trophy after reaching the final in 1987, 1999 and 2011. They made a hash of last hosting in 2007, losing their opening match to Argentina and thus playing their "home" ¼ final in Cardiff. From memory they won that game...before being bundled out by England in an insipid display with Damien Traille gifting England a try early on. After a number of woeful coaches, of which IMO St André was the worst, they finally have a decent coaching stuff and have been planning for this tournament ever since 2019. They have a strong pack, a solid set piece, cohesive loose forwards, world class pivots, solid centres, flashy wings, and reliable goalkicking fullbacks. The main Q will be whether they can handle the pressure.

NZ have generally been pretty terrible under Ian Foster with a number of firsts, including a first home series loss to Ireland. About the only thing he hasn't done is lose at Eden Park. Things looked to be somewhat back on track this year until getting absolutely smashed off the park by South Africa. Why on earth you'd chose the Springboks for a warmup game only Foster knows, aside from the risk of injury and defeat they are also a potential ¼ final opponent for NZ. NZ on their day can beat anyone, but this is one of the weakest AB squads ever. How many players make a World XV? Maybe Ardie Savea and Will Jordan? This game should give a decent idea of NZ's chances, even though this game isn't so important given that Pool B doesn't contain a "tough side" and more of an "easy beat" when it comes to the ¼ finals. Confidence is probably the main reward for winning the game, and either side will hope not to ship injuries.

Both squads have suffered major injuries: France without their first choice loosehead, lock, flyhalf and inside centre. NZ without their first choice tighthead, lock, blindside flanker and inside centre. NZ selectors choose a weird squad balance with 5 outside backs, not counting Beauden Barrett, Damien McKenzie, Rieko Ioane, Jodie Barrett and at a pinch David Havili who can all play in the back 3. As it is, Beauden Barrett plays 15 despite being listed as a 10. As a result, the squad is a bit light on locks and loose forwards, especially at 6, where Frizzell is out, and Papali'i is in.

I expect this game to be high intensity, fast-paced and very enjoyable to watch. As stated above, neither side needs to win, but both sides will very much want to win. NZ because they want to get back on track and France because a loss would immediately put their credentials in doubt. France will play territory and NZ will play more possession IMO, although NZ has a tendency to employ stupid kicks under Foster.

I genuinely think this game is quite hard to pick. The only result I don't see is NZ winning at a canter. Before giving my prediction, here is a look at the 6 previous games between these sides

1987: NZ win the final 29-9 - note NZ's first points come from a DG from a free kick - that is not allowed under current laws.

1999: France 43 vs NZ 31. One of the great matches of all time. I had Uni exams at the time, and couldn't stay up in the wee hours of the morning to watch. Radio-alarm woke me with mournful organ music. Current French coach played this game.

2003: NZ 40 vs Fra 13 (3rd/4th play-off)

2007: France 20 vs NZ 18: Grey All Blacks shirts went the way of Hawaiian Shirts in the fashion stakes. You wouldn't be seen dead wearing one after this. The start of the forward pass vs momentum debate?

2011: NZ 37 vs Fra 17 (pool), NZ 8 vs Fra 7 (final) - here is an alternate video you might not have seen

So onto that prediction. Well, as you all know, I am Swiss. We are neutral. So Fra 23 🇲🇫 vs NZ 23 🇳🇿. Handshakes all round and a few chilled Kronenbourg 1664 in the sheds under the stands. All Blacks strumming their guitars while the French players sing Gainsbourg (Serge not Charlotte).

Enjoy the World Cup everyone, best of luck to the Irish 🇮🇪 (do the Irish need luck?), and Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦