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France 24
France 24
Sport
Gregor THOMPSON

France defeat New Zealand All Blacks in historic Rugby World Cup opener

France and New Zealand ran out before a sold-out Stade de France in the much-anticipated opening match of the Rugby World Cup in the Parisian suburb of Saint-Denis on September 8. © Franck Fife, AFP

Les Bleus defeated three-time Webb-Ellis Cup winners the All Blacks convincingly Friday evening at a sold-out Stade de France. Second-half tries by winger Damian Penaud and replacement fullback Melvyn Jaminet helped seal France's historic 27-13 victory.

At last the much-anticipated Rugby World Cup opener. Over the years, Les Bleus and the All Blacks have met seven times in rugby world cups. Despite historic New Zealand dominance, the encounters have been unpredictable, exciting, and – depending on who you support – devastating. France’s victory on Friday evening was no exception.

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