France to face All Blacks in opener of 2023 Rugby World Cup

PARIS (AP) — New Zealand and France will square off in a blockbuster opening match of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, organizers announced Friday.

The nations have combined to deliver some of the most storied matches in the tournament’s history, including the 1987 and 2011 finals, both won by the All Blacks.

Host France and three-time champion New Zealand will kick off the 10th edition on Sept. 8, 2023 at Paris’ Stade de France.

The 20-team tournament — expanded to eight weeks for player welfare — will feature matches in nine cities across France.

Defending champion South Africa will open against Scotland in Pool B.

The 80,000-capacity Stade de France will host the final on Oct. 28, as well as the semifinals.

The New Zealand-France game in Pool A evokes memories of the dramatic 1999 semifinals and 2007 quarterfinals, both won by Les Tricolores.

New Zealand has never lost a pool match at a Rugby World Cup. France should benefit from playing at home, and is on the rise with one of the most talented young squads in the international game.

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