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The Rugby World Cup opening weekend culminates with a clash between Fiji and Wales tonight.

Hosts France launch their quest for a first World Cup trophy against three-time champions New Zealand on Friday night. Around 80,000 fans are expected at the Stade de France for a blockbuster start to the 10th World Cup competition and seven weeks of action featuring the planet's best rugby players.

Ireland, France, South Africa and New Zealand shape as the tournament favourites – but how far down our rankings are England and Wales after a difficult 2023 so far?

The World Cup begins with a clash of two contenders in Paris

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The tournament can serve to balm the sport’s soul, writes Harry Latham-Coyle, with the action on the pitch distracting from testing times off it

New Zealand have rowed back from the brink of complete catastrophe, writes Luke Baker, but they’re far from the juggernaut of old

World rugby’s showpiece tournament is one of the biggest sporting events of 2023 but also starts the countdown to the 2024 Games

An opening clash against old foes New Zealand gives Fabien Galthié’s side the chance to prove they really can go all the way