France vs All Blacks: Watch the RWC for FREE

The long-awaited Rugby World Cup opener between hosts France and three-time champions the All Blacks will go down on Friday 8 September.

France vs All Blacks: How to watch for free

If you own a TV set and it is tuned in to terrestrial TV in South Africa you will be able to watch the match for free on SABC 2 from 21:15. To live stream the match for free either download the SABCPlus app to your phone, smart tv or other device or visit SABCPlus.com to join the stream.

France vs All Blacks: What time is kick off on Friday night?

France vs All Blacks from the Stade De France in Paris kicks off at 21:15 on Friday 8 September 2023.

The match will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

ALSO READ: Springboks given licence to ball out at Rugby World Cup

Heading into the Rugby World Cup, France won three of their four warm-up matches, slipping to a loss to Scotland at Murrayfield in the first of the quartet of Summer Nations series matches.

The All Blacks played just one match in warm-up in the North, losing by a record margin to the Springboks.

ALSO READ: France are all systems GO for All Blacks clash

All Blacks coach Ian Foster hopes to use that result as fuel to fire up his charges for their tilt at a record-breaking fourth Rugby World Cup title.

ALSO READ: Springboks coach highlights Auckland loss as key moment

“We’re not panicking about that result,” said Foster. “We knew we were going to get challenged. It’s not the result we wanted. But I still believe in the plan. The group that we needed to play all played – Scott[Barrett] not as long as I would have liked – a fortnight out from a big test and at least we have a good litmus test of where we’re at.

“In many ways it was a perfect storm. We had seven players who hadn’t played in four weeks. They needed this game. I thought we looked rusty and quite frankly South Africa were outstanding in terms of how they pressured us in the areas they wanted to. That coincided with the red card, and there goes the game.

ALSO READ: Springboks wary of Scotland’s secret scrum weapon

“It was still a game we needed. We’ll make sure we use that really well in a fortnight’s time.”

Hosts ready to rumble

France skipper Antoine Dupont labelled this clash as must-win.

“This match is obviously extremely important, to get us started in the competition and to ensure that people follow our team and want to support them throughout the World Cup,” said Dupont in an interview with AFP.

“You obviously have to win a home opener.

“We’ve never been so well prepared.

“We have won 80 percent of our matches, the Six Nations in 2022. We have a promising generation of talented players who have gained experience and continuity in the backbone of the team.

“That hasn’t been the case over the last 10 years.

“So all systems are go. What’s more, we’re lucky enough to be hosting the competition, so we’re hoping for public support.

“In spite of that, it’s still sport and the matches have to be played and won.”

France vs All Blacks: Teams

French team to take on New Zealand

1. Reda Wardi
2. Julien Marchand
3. Uini Atonio
4. Cameron Woki
5. Thibaud Flament
6. Francois Cros
7. Charles Ollivon
8. Gregory Alldritt
9. Antoine Dupont
10. Matthieu Jalibert
11. Gabin Villiere
12. Yoram Moefana
13. Gael Fickou
14. Damian Penaud
15. Thomas Ramos

Replacements:

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

All Blacks

1. Ethan de Groot
2 Codie Taylor
3. Nepo Laulala
4. Sam Whitelock
5. Scott Barrett
6. Dalton Papali’i
7. Sam Cane (captain)
8. Ardie Savea
9. Aaron Smith
10. Richie Mo’unga
11. Mark Telea
12. Anton Lienert-Brown
13. Rieko Ioane
14. Will Jordan
15. Beauden Barrett

Replacements
16. Samisoni Taukei’aho
17. Ofa Tuungafasi
18. Fletcher Newell
19. Tupou Vaa’i
20. Luke Jacobson
21. Finlay Christie
22. David Havili
23. Leicester Fainga’anuku

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES WRITTEN BY JAMES RICHARDSON