France send statement of intent after defeating New Zealand in openerBy Andrew Baldock, PA Rugby Union CorrespondentFrance handed a nation the result it craved as they opened their Rugby World Cup campaign on home soil by beating New Zealand 27-13 in Paris. It was the All Blacks’ first pool-phase defeat in World Cup history and they could have few complaints. Wing Mark Telea scored two tries for New Zealand, with fly-half Richie Mo’unga kicking a penalty. A second Ramos penalty nudged France ahead, but Mo’unga quickly cancelled that out ahead of a water-break as temperatures nudged 28 degrees at almost 10pm local time. Ramos completed his penalty hat-trick 12 minutes before half-time as France claimed a 9-8 interval lead.

Source: Irish Independent September 09, 2023 10:05 UTC