A week before the Rugby World Cup, with expectations rising in the squad and among the home fans, France captain Antoine Dupont warned the hosts "have to win" the opener against three-time champions New Zealand. "This match is obviously extremely important, to get us started in the competition and to ensure that people follow our team and want to support them throughout the World Cup," said Dupont.READ | Traditionally spooked, Nienaber's Springboks of 2023 'bear' favourites tag: 'It is what it is'"You obviously have to win a home opener."In the build-up, France have continued their strong form, but the All Blacks slumped to a 35-7 thrashing at the hands of old rivals South Africa at Twickenham on Saturday. "They may have lost this match, but they had won 11 in a row just before, so I'm not worried for them," Dupont told AFP."They know this competition, they've won it the most times, and they're always there when it counts, with plenty of quality and experience."France and New Zealand are the overwhelming favourites to advance from a group that also contains Italy, Uruguay and Namibia, but for both the opener is an early opportunity to lay down a marker.
Since Fabien Galthie took over as coach after the 2019 World Cup, France have developed an exciting side that combines the flair of old with a tighter, more disciplined style.That approach took France to the Six Nations Grand Slam in 2022 and a world ranking of number two behind Ireland.
They have beaten all of the southern hemisphere sides over the last three years - including a 40-25 victory over the All Blacks in Paris in November 2021. "We've never been so well prepared," said Dupont. "We have won 80 percent of our matches, the Six Nations in 2022.