Barrett gets the match underway for NZ, early clearance from Ramos away to touch

The challenge has been laid down and kickoff is just moments away

Anthems concluded and it is time for the All Black Haka

The sides are out on the field, Antoine Dupont earns his 50th cap for France, anthems to follow

Big blow for the All Blacks as captain Sam Cane has been ruled out. Tupou Vaai will start at 6, with Dalton Papalii moving to open side. Brodie Retallick comes onto the bench.

Rugby's greatest showpiece gets underway as hosts France take on New Zealand in the opening match of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in a Pool A clash. Head to head these sides have met on 62 occasions, with the All Blacks winning 48 to just the 13 by the French to go along with a single draw. There have however been some epic battles at previous World Cups and it looks set to continue with what should be a thrilling encounter. Italy, Namibia and Uruguay make up the rest of Pool A.

Will be epic. France by 10

Hard to predict this game my heart thinks france but my head thinks all blacks let the battles begin this will beca great opener 🏉🏉🏉💞👍

It begins!

Oh yeh. It woukd ve amazing if they meet in the final too!