France start World Cup in styleNZ FIRST: The win by France inflicted on the All Blacks their first-ever loss in a World Cup pool match and captain Antoine Dupont said his team were just getting goingAFP, PARISFrance on Friday 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. A replica of the Eiffel Tower is pictured during the opening ceremony of the Rugby World Cup at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis on Friday. “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. France captain Antoine Dupont reacts after their Pool A match against New Zealand at the Rugby World Cup at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis on Friday. About 2.5 million rugby fans are expected to attend World Cup fixtures across nine venues in France, including 600,000 from abroad.
