Rugby World Cup 2023 opening ceremony live updates as France take on New Zealand in epic tournament opener

It's finally here and Friday night is set to provide a spectacular opening to the 2023 Rugby World Cup with a match easily worthy of being contested in the final itself on October 28.

But before France take on New Zealand in what must be considered the most mouth-watering first encounter in the tournament's history, fans will be treated to an hour long opening ceremony full of colour and fanfare.

At the Stade de France in Paris in front of an expected 80,000 fans the show will be directed by Olivier Ferracci and stage director Nora Matthey de L’Endroit with the help of more than 200 volunteers - and Academy Award-winning actor Jean Dujardin set to be heavily involved too.

World Rugby says the ceremony will "shine a spotlight on French expertise and lifestyle, its rich heritage and passion for the sport, all the while also commemorating the bicentennial anniversary of rugby".

The opening ceremony starts at 7pm, an hour and 15 minutes before kick-off for France v New Zealand.

France have not lost on home soil since Scotland beat them at an empty Stade de France in the COVID-19 affected 2021 Six Nations. New Zealand have never lost a pool phase match at the Rugby World Cup.

Team line-ups:

France: Thomas Ramos; Damian Penaud, Gaël Fickou, Yoram Moefana, Gabin Villiere; Matthieu Jalibert, Antoine Dupont (captain); Reda Wardi, Julian Marchand, Uini Atonio, Cameron Woki, Thibaud Flament, François Cros, Charles Ollivon, Gregory Alldritt

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

New Zealand: Beauden Barrett; Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, Mark Telea; Richie Mo'unga, Aaron Smith; Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor, Nepo