Hosts France kick off the Rugby World Cup against three-time champions New Zealand on Saturday morning AEST in a mouth-watering start to the quadrennial tournament.
New Zealand captain Sam Cane was a late withdrawal for the Rugby World Cup opener, replaced by Tupou Vaa’i in the starting line-up with Dalton Papali’i moving from blindside flanker to the open side.
Experienced lock Brodie Retallick comes onto the bench with Vaa’i promoted from the substitutes.
No. 8 Ardie Savea leads the side instead of Cane.
MATCH CENTRE: France vs New Zealand live score
France coach Fabien Galthie said fans were in for a treat.
“(The All Blacks) do it best,” he said.
“We’re so happy to play this team.
“For us, Friday is a party, a joy, an honour, it’s marvellous.”
The early stages of the tournament will be…
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