France defeat New Zealand All Blacks in historic Rugby World Cup opener

At last the much-anticipated Rugby World Cup opener. Over the years, Les Bleus and the All Blacks have met seven times in rugby world cups. Despite historic New Zealand dominance, the encounters have been unpredictable, exciting, and – depending on who you support – devastating. France’s victory on Friday evening was no exception.

Antoine Dupont's men defeated the All Blacks and brought about their first-ever loss during a World Cup pool match.  Second-half tries by winger Damian Penaud in the 55th minute and replacement fullback Melvyn Jaminet in the 79th minute helped France to a convincing 29-13 victory at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, a suburb outside Paris.

After a closely contested first half, the French got the edge because of New Zealand’s ill-discipline. The All Blacks conceded too many penalties which Thomas Ramo was able to convert at regular intervals throughout the match. The French fullback scored 17 of France’s points with his famously accurate right foot.

The opening ceremony of the 10th Rugby World Cup was, well … French. It began with Oscar-winning actor Jean Dujardin cycling through a 1950s-themed mise en scène, distributing baguettes to some of France’s most celebrated individuals. A bit of Edith Piaf, a floating beret, the Eiffel Tower, and some impressive acrobatics later, fireworks lit up the sky above the sold-out stadium.

There was nothing to separate France and New Zealand, rated 3rd and 4th in the world respectively, as they ran onto the pitch.

Les Bleus, having convincingly beat New Zealand at the same ground 40-25 at the end of 2021, could feel confident they could get the job done. But, the All Blacks had returned to form since then. Until their largest-ever loss to South Africa’s