How to watch France vs New Zealand as two of the favourites for the Rugby World Cup go head-to-head
Hosts France and New Zealand face each other in the opening match of the Rugby World Cup.
Les Bleus came on to face the All Blacks after a 41-17 victory over Australia, as New Zealand were beaten 35-7 by South Africa in their final warm-up game.
South Africa are the current holders after Handre Pollard produced a kick masterclass to help the Springboks to a 32-12 victory against England in the 2019 final.
The victory over England saw South Africa clinch their third World Cup, with Springboks now tied with New Zealand for most wins at the tournament.
Mail Sport explains everything you need to know ahead of the France vs New Zealand showdown.
Host country France will face New Zealand in the opening match of the Rugby World Cup in Paris
New Zealand entered the game after a heavy defeat against South Africa
When is France vs New Zealand?
The Rugby World Cup opener between France and New Zealand will take place on Friday, September 8.
Friday night’s game between the two teams kicks off at 8.15pm BST.
The Stade de France, Paris, will host the match. An opening ceremony is expected to take place before the match, which will start around 7pm BST.
How to watch
The showdown between France and New Zealand will be shown live on ITV 1, with coverage starting at 6.45pm.
Fans can also stream the game live via the ITV X app.
For those wanting to see the action in the US, Peacock will be streaming the game, while fans in Australia will be able to tune into the game via Stan Sport.
The game between France and New Zealand will take place on Friday at the Stade De France
Team news
Yoram Moefana has been named at the center for the French confrontation with New Zealand.
The 23-year-old will wear the number 12 shirt in the absence of the injured Jonathan Danty.
Prop Cyril Baille will miss the game with the All Blacks due to injury.
Scott Barrett, who was sent off in New Zealand’s last game against South Africa, will start on the second row.
His brother Jordie Barrett is out with a knee injury and is replaced by Anton Lienert-Brown.
The starting lineups for both France and New Zealand are as follows:
France XV: Ramos, Penaud, Fickou, Moefana, Villiere, Jalibert, Dupont, Wardi, Marchand, Atonio, Woki, Flament, Cros, Olivon, Alldritt
Replacements: Mauvaka, Gros, Aldegheri, Taofifenua, Boudehent, Lucu, Vincent, Jaminet
New Zealand XV: B Barrett, Jordan, Ioane, Lienert-Brown, Telea, Mo’unga, Smith, De Groot, Taylor, Laulala, Whitelock, S Barrett, Papalii, Cane, Savea
Replacements: Taukei’aho, Tu’ungafasi, Newell, Vaa’i, Jacobson, Christie, Havili, Fainga’anuku
Yoram Moefana has been named at the center for the French confrontation with New Zealand
Chances
France wins – 10/11
Draw – 16/1
New Zealand wins – 11/10
All odds via Sky Bet and correct at the time of publication.