France name team for RWC opener against All Blacks, midfielder Moefana gets starting role

Centre Yoram Moefana will replace the injured Jonathan Danty in France's side for this weekend's World Cup opener with New Zealand, head coach Fabien Galthie announced on Wednesday.

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La Rochelle's Danty, 30, suffered a hamstring injury late last month and will miss Friday's highly-anticipated match in Paris.

Bordeaux-Begles' Moefana, 23, is in line to make his 15th Test start against the three-time World Cup winners.

The match kicks off at 21:15 on Friday.

France team:

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

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