France scored through Damian Penaud, Melvyn Jaminet tries, five Thomas Ramos penalties, as they came from 5-0 and 13-9 behind to beat New Zealand at Stade de France in Rugby World Cup 2023 opener; Mark Telea scored twice for All Blacks, including fastest RWC try in history on 93 seconds
By Michael Cantillon
Last Updated: 08/09/23 10:19pm
Damian Penaud scored a crucial second half try, as France fought back to beat the All Blacks on the World Cup’s opening night
A Damian Penaud try proved crucial as hosts France came from behind to claim an opening 27-13 Rugby World Cup victory over New Zealand in stifling Paris heat at Stade de France.
Temperatures breached 30 degrees pre kick-off for the night game on Friday, but the All Blacks flew out of the blocks to notch the fastest Rugby World Cup try in history after just 93 seconds through wing Mark Telea.
The boot of France full-back Thomas Ramos edged France back in front by the break, with both sides guilty of errors in the Test, before Telea grabbed his second try off a stunning Richie Mo’unga long pass.
France responded superbly, however, with Penaud flying over in the corner for the critical score after a wealth of Les Blues pressure – a point from which Fabien Galthie’s side and a huge vocal support did not look back, with replacement back Melvyn Jaminet adding a second try late on to rubberstamp victory.
What’s next?
France next host Uruguay on Thursday September 14, in their second Rugby World Cup Pool A clash, at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille.
The All Blacks face Namibia next on Friday September 15, in their second Rugby World Cup Pool A clash, at Stadium de Toulouse.
England and Ireland kick-off their World Cup campaigns on Saturday, as Ireland face Romania in Bordeaux (2.30pm kick off BST), and England meet Argentina in Marseille (8pm kick off BST).
More to follow…
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