The 2023 Rugby World Cup began this Friday, September 8 with the meeting between France and New Zealand in a festive atmosphere. France offered itself a prestigious victory in front of 78,690 spectators by winning 27-13.
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From our special correspondent at the Stade de France,
Like the weather in the French capital, the supporters were already very excited about the idea of attending this opening match of the 2023 World Cup. A meeting between France and New Zealand remains the dream poster for an amateur oval balloon. On the commuter train which serves the Stade de France station, it is barely 6 p.m. when a group sings the Marseillaise in the carriage, under the amused gaze of a man from the Indian subcontinent, where rugby is not not the most practiced sport.
It must be said that the audience of the evening did not hesitate to bring out the paraphernalia of the real supporter, with berets, rooster on the head or even faces painted in blue, white and red. And a significant number of fans took out the Gallic disguise. ” It’s the ideal evening, not to be missed under any circumstances. », says a young man, French team jersey on his shoulders. On the square in front of the Stade de France grounds, in the middle of numerous mobile gendarmes, we shouted at the top of our lungs ” Come on Blues “.
A year ago, all tickets for the 48 matches were sold out in a few days. Around the stadium, for this opening match, no one complained about the stifling heat, faces were radiant in the hope of a first victory for France in this group phase, even if this first outing for the Blues didn’t really have much at stake.
Before kick-off, almost at sunset, the Saint-Denis public was treated to an opening ceremony to the sound of loud music, and in particular nostalgic songs, in a rural setting where a Giant Eiffel Tower topped with the Webb Ellis Trophy, the award given to the winning team of the Rugby League World Cup. Two hundred years after the creation of the sport, the tenth Rugby World Cup has become a major event.
Carried by the anticipation of the entire public at the Stade de France, France began its World Cup against the legendary New Zealanders, in a unique favorite outfit. France, dominated in the first period, was sparkling in the second.
The XV of France broke free and raised the tone in terms of aggression and desire to beat their formidable opponent, thanks to the foot of Ramos and a try from Penaud. New Zealand suffered its first defeat in the World Cup during the group stages.
Antoine Dupont’s partners, thanks to this victory over the All Blacks, already have an option for first place in Group A which also includes Italy, Namibia and Uruguay, the Blues’ next opponent. Thursday September 14 in Lille.