France made an impressive start to their attempt to win a first Rugby World Cup as the host nation beat New Zealand 27-13 in a hot and humid tournament opener on Friday.
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Roared on by a capacity crowd at the Stade de France, Thomas Ramos nervelessly kicked 17 points and Damian Penaud and Melvyn Jaminet scored a try each.
Mark Telea touched down twice for the All Blacks and it was only after Ramos’ 74th minute penalty that the home fans could celebrate before the rampant white-shirted French scored a final try as Jaminet grabbed Maxime Lucu’s chip.
France fought hard to prove that their tag as one of the favorites on home soil is well-deserved. “It was important to begin well by winning even if it was not a knockout match,” France head coach Fabien Galthie said.
“It was the culmination of our work before the tournament.” For the All Blacks, it was the first time they had lost a World Cup pool match.
“In the past we’ve won all our pool games and not won the tournament,” said New Zealand coach Ian Foster.—AFP
