France skipper heaps praise on All Blacks: 'They're surely the greatest team to see playing'

The Rugby World Cup gets underway on Friday when France take on three-time champions New Zealand at the Stade de France in what could be a dress rehearsal for the final back in the same arena on 28 October.

When their names were drawn in the same group three years ago the idea of using the fixture between them to kick-off the competition was quickly made reality by organisers - tickets were sold out in days.

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Adding to the buzz around the game is the history between the countries at World Cups.

The fact that New Zealand have won three titles and France have lost three finals tells its own story but they have had some monumental clashes.

The All Blacks clubbed the French in the inaugural final in 1987, narrowly came out on top in the 2011 championship match and hammered them again in the quarter-finals in 2015.

In between, however, the French played breath-taking rugby to stun the Kiwis in 1999 and 2007.

This weekend, captaining Les Bleus, unbeaten at home since February 2021, is star scrumhalf Antoine Dupont.

He has been a key part of France's impressive performances in recent years but remains respectful about the All Blacks.

"They're surely the greatest team to see playing. They have made generations dream," said Dupont.

"Since the World Cup has existed they are the team that has made their mark the most with extraordinary players and teams.

"When I was younger, like a lot who are passionate about rugby, I admired the team, and their players.

"All the conditions are in place for a great event," the 26-year-old added.

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'French fervour'

Dupont's side have beaten every team they have faced at least once