The 10th edition of the Rugby World Cup begins on Friday, as hosts France take on three-time winners New Zealand in Saint-Denis (20:00).
With Italy, Uruguay and Namibia the other teams in Pool A, the match at the Stade de France could be a shootout for who tops the group and goes on to face the runners-up in the 'Pool of Death Pool B, which features South Africa, Ireland and Scotland.
France have never lifted the Webb Ellis Cup but while injuries have hurt them, Les Bleus have every chance of making a winning start to their latest attempt.
- France to win
- France to score first
- Damien Penaud to score anytime
WATCH IN THE ZONE - JASON ROBINSON
Les Bleus To Rise To The Occasion
The injuries to fly-half Romain Ntamack and lock Paul Willemse have robbed France of both playmaking ability and raw power. Furthermore, loosehead prop Cyril Baille and centre Jonathan Danty will also miss Friday's game, but should recover before the end of the pool stages.
New Zealand will be without centre Jordie Barrett, who has become a key cog in their midfield since stepping up from full-back while their pack, as shown in the recent 35-7 defeat to South Africa, can be dominated.
That is precisely what France will look to do and their additional power and skill in the forwards can give them a platform.
This could be the greatest ever opening game of a World Cup and the hosts can rise to the occasion.
France often save their best form for the All Blacks and having humbled them 40-25 the last time the pair met in 2021, they can win again.
Expect A Quick Start
Fast starts have been a feature of France's play since Fabien Galthie took over in the aftermath of the last World Cup.
That was again evident in this year's Six Nations, when they scored a try before the 20 minute mark in all five of their matches, while Danty rumbled over after just seven minutes of their final warm-up game against Australia.
Les Bleus have scored the first try in six of their nine matches in 2023 and can be backed to fly out of the blocks and get the first score, either through a try or a kick, on Friday.
Penaud To Pounce
A real candidate to open the scoring is the enigmatic and elusive France wing Damian Penaud.
The Clermont man glides through defences and scored a try in that last meeting between the sides almost two years ago.
After sharing the award in 2022, Penaud won the top try scorer prize for this year's Six Nations and may feel he has a point to prove after failing to dot down in 2019.
Is he the best finisher in the world? The Kiwis' Will Jordan may have something to say about that.
Either way, the 26-year-old always seems to find the line and is worth a look in the anytime market.
DAMIEN PENAUD TO SCORE ANYTIME
France vs New Zeland Teams
France: 15 Thomas Ramos, 14 Damian Penaud, 13 Gael Fickou, 12 Yoram Moefana, 11 Gabin Villiere, 10 Matthieu Jalibert, 9 Antoine Dupont (c), 8 Gregory Alldritt, 7 Charles Ollivon, 6 Francois Cros, 5 Thibaud Flament, 4 Cameron Woki, 3 Uini Atonio, 2 Julien Marchand, 1 Reda Wardi
Bench: 16 Peato Mauvaka, 17 Jean-Baptiste Gros, 18 Dorian Aldegheri, 19 Romain Taofifenua, 20 Paul Boudehent, 21 Maxime Lucu 22 Arthur Vincent, 23 Melvyn Jaminet
New Zealand: 15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 Mark Telea, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Sam Cane (c), 6 Dalton Papali’i, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Sam Whitelock, 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot
Bench: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Tupou Vaa’i, 20 Luke Jacobson, 21 Finlay Christie, 22 David Havili, 23 Leicester Fainga’nuku
