France vs New Zealand tips: Antoine Dupont to lead hosts to opening World Cup win
France's Antoine Dupont
Two giants meet in the opening match of the Rugby World Cup, but who will come out on top?
France and New Zealand will kick off the Rugby World Cup at the Stade De France in Saint Denis, Paris on Friday 8 September.
Depending on how you slice it, this match could be hugely consequential or totally irrelevant.
The group winners and runners-up from Pool A are almost guaranteed an incredibly tough quarter-final encounter.
There shouldn't be any serious threats to the dominance of France and New Zealand in the group, although Italy have shown signs of becoming a dark horse.
Victory in this opener will give either France or New Zealand a buffer against an Italian upset.
How do France shape up?
France have been walloped by injuries despite inspirational skipper Antoine Dupont claiming that this team is better prepared for the Rugby World Cup than any he had previously been a part of.
As a result of the injuries, France will sport a new centre pairing as young Yoram Moefana comes in to partner Gael Fickou. Moefana is set to play a key role with experienced and gifted All Blacks likely to be attacking his channel.
France will be hoping to replicate the Springboks' dominance over the All Blacks in the scrum as Reda Wardi comes in to form a hard-as-nails starting front row with Julien Marchand and Uini Atonio.
Their grunt up front is augmented by some trademark French flair out wide and back three Gabin Villiere, Damian Penaud and Thomas Ramos all come into this match in excellent form and hunting tries.
How do New Zealand shape up?
New Zealand have shed the luxury of one of their Barretts as there is no place in the matchday 23 for the versatile Jordie.
Having seen the Springboks punch holes in their midfield, the All Blacks have reinforced at inside centre with Anton Leinert-Brown brought in to play between Richie Mo'unga and fellow centre Rieko Ioane.
The All Blacks seem to have signalled their desire for all all-out attack with their team as Beauden Barret moves to fullback, and Will Jordan and Mark Telea operate on the wings.
Nepo Laulala has replaced Tyrel Lomax in a front row that will be under tremendous pressure to get things right and also get about the park to enable the lethal offload game that the All Blacks use to decimate defences
Players to watch
These sides sport players who are among the favourites to finish the tournament as the top try-scorer.
France have Penaud attracting a lot of smart money in that try-scorer market.
Meanwhile, All Blacks try machine Jordan would be the man most likely to benefit if New Zealand click.
Goalkickers Ramos and Mo'unga have been steady off the tee and both will be in line for big points tallies at the end of the tournament.
Predictions
France to beat New Zealand by 6-10 points inclusive
Gabin Villiere anytime tryscorer
New Zealand half time / France full time
