FRANCE get their Rugby World Cup 2023 campaign underway tonight with a mouth-watering clash against three-time champions New Zealand.
Les Bleus are one of the tournament favourites and they'll be eager to win it all on home turf, but as always the All Blacks will have something to say about that.
- Start time: 8.15pm BST
- TV/Live stream: ITV1 HD
- France XV: Ramos, Penaud, Fickou, Moefana, Villiere, Jalibert, Dupont, Wardi, Marchand, Atonio, Woki, Flament, Cros, Ollivon, Alldritt
- New Zealand XV: B Barrett, Jordan, Ioane, Lienert-Brown, Telea, Mo’unga, Smith, De Groot, Taylor, Laulala, Whitelock, S Barrett, Papalii, Cane, Savea
Rugby World Cup betting odds – Best offers
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What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
- France vs New Zealand will be broadcast LIVE on ITV 1 in the UK.
- Fans can also stream the entire action live via the ITV X app on any tablet or mobile device.
- Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute action of this Rugby World Cup opener through our live blog.
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Macron 'immensely proud'
Emmanuel Macron says he wants the world's rugby lovers to unite with their "shared passion" for the sport.
The president added: "Rugby fans all over the world know about our French flair.
"This year, 2023, we will show our French share: Our art of sharing, conviviality and fraternity."
- By Ian Tuckey
Stadium noise overwhelming
England legend Bill Beaumont, who has been World Rugby chairman since 2016, is warming up the crowd for Emmanuel Macron.
Credit: AFP And the buzzing atmosphere will only heat up in the 45 minutes between now and kick-off for France vs New Zealand.
Credit: Reuters - By Ian Tuckey
Macron prepares to launch tournament
French president Emmanuel Macron is poised to officially open the World Cup.
After the pomp and pageant of the build-up. it's time for the speeches.
Credit: Reuters
- By Ian Tuckey
French bliss
Actor Jean Dujardin has taken a prominent role in the dancing at the opening ceremony.
The blaze of colour has also just seen a fly-by with red white and blue smoke streaming past the stadium.
Credit: AFP - By Ian Tuckey
The fun's already started!
French fans at the Stade de France are getting in the mood with a range of fancy dress and patriotic outfits.
This chap with the orange moustache is famous cartoon character Obelix – standing next to Faballa.
Credit: AP - By Ian Tuckey
Confident of avoiding deja Bleu
Much-tipped France are sure they can end their World Cup jinx.
Les Bleu are one of only five nations to have reached the final – but have lost all three times they have got that far.
Fabien Galthie’s squad now seem to have plenty of depth in all positions, with Antoine Dupont the main man.
But pre-tournament injuries and issues have slightly dampened that optimism.
- By Ian Tuckey
Tournament opener is great shakes
New Zealand flanker Dalton Papali'i says "shakes" just discussing tonight's huge game.
The 25-year-old has amassed 22 caps since 2018 but is still nervous about such a World Cup opener.
He said: "I'm shaking even talking about it.
"To be honest I've always dreamt of this moment. I really want to soak it up.
"You have a job to do for the team, but the excitement levels are going crazy."
- By Ian Tuckey
The Stade is set…
What an opener!
The two bookies' favourites to win the World Cup kick the tournament off at the Stade de France tonight (8.15pm).
France take on Ireland at 8.15pm.
Here are the Betfair odds to lift the World Cup at the same venue in the final on Saturday, October 28.
- New Zealand – 11/4
- France – 11/4
- South Africa 10/3
- Ireland 4/1
- Australia 10/1
- England 12/1
- Argentina 20/1
- Wales 30/1
- Scotland 35/1
- Fiji 80/1
- Japan 200/1
- Tonga 400/1
- Samoa 425/1
- Italy 500/1
- Georgia 500/1
- Namibia 500/1
- Romania 500/1
- Uruguay 500/1
- Chile 500/1
- Portugal 500/1
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