Jonathan Danty ruled out of RWC opener as France name team to take on New Zealand

Jonathan Danty will miss France's opening Rugby World Cup game with New Zealand on Friday night (live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player), with Yoram Moefana named to start in the centre.

Danty had been an injury doubt coming into the tournament for the hosts with a hamstring injury, and isn't being risked by head coach Fabien Galthie, who has picked arguably his strongest available XV for their meeting with the All Blacks at Stade de France.

Moefana partners Gael Fickou in the centre, with Matthieu Jalibert getting the start at out-half after Romain Ntamack was ruled out of the tournament due to a knee injury. Jalibert is alongside captain Antoine Dupont in the half-backs.

The back three is as expected, with Toulouse's Thomas Ramos at full-back, in between wings Damian Penaud and Gabin Villiere.

Up front, La Rochelle's Reda Wardi starts at loosehead with Cyril Baille out injured, partnering Julien Marchand and Uini Atonio in the front row.

Thibaud Flament and Cameron Woki make up the second row partnership in the absence of Paul Willemse, while it's a first choice back row of Francois Cros, Charles Ollivon and Greg Alldritt.

France: Thomas Ramos; Damian Penaud, Gael Fickou, Yoram Moefana, Gabin Villiere; Matthieu Jalibert, Antoine Dupont (capt); Reda Wardi, Julien Marchand, Uini Atonio; Cameron Woki, Thibaud Flament; Francois Cros, Charles Ollivon, Gregory Alldritt.

Replacements: Peato Mauvaka, Jean-Baptiste Gros, Dorian Aldegheri, Romain Taofifenua, Paul Boudehent, Maxime Lucu, Arthur Vincent, Melvyn Jaminet

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