Alldritt stars as France beat New Zealand in opener
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France full-back Thomas Ramos kicked 17 points as the hosts overcame New Zealand in a riveting opening match of Rugby World Cup 2023 at the Stade de France.
The All Blacks scored after just 92 seconds when Mark Telea touched down Beauden Barrett’s precise cross-kick, but three Ramos penalties helped Les Bleus into a 9-8 half-time lead.
Telea’s second try, from Richie Mo’unga’s floated pass, put New Zealand back in front but after Damian Penaud was denied a try by Mo’unga’s tackle, France seized the momentum.
Penaud took Matthieu Jalibert’s pass to score his 30th test try and after a yellow card for All Blacks wing Will Jordan, two more Ramos penalties and a late Melvyn Jaminet try kicked off a party in Paris.
"We were expecting really hard opposition and it was a massive game. I'm proud to be French tonight," Mastercard Player of the Match, Gregory Alldritt (FRA), said.
"Playing France here in the opening game was pretty special but they were just a bit too good," New Zealand coach Ian Foster said. "I thought they squeezed us in that second half and we struggled to really get a lot of momentum. We’ve got to find another pathway now."
