France inflict All Blacks first ever RWC pool loss

Paris’s Stade de France was set ablaze as the host nation, France, handed the mighty All Blacks their first-ever Rugby World Cup pool match loss with a scintillating 27-13 victory.

The French have now moved into outright RWC favourite with online bookmakers, coming into $3.75 to win the tournament on home soil. The All Blacks have now eased out to $4.50 after beginning the tournament as the bookies elect.

Remarkably, New Zealand’s record has been unblemished in World Cup pool stages across nine editions of the event. But the French, invigorated by the passionate home crowd, were determined to rewrite history.

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The game kicked off in dramatic fashion with All Black winger Mark Telea scoring in the second minute. The momentum, however, shifted as the French side rallied, turning the tide to lead 9-8 at the interval.

Damian Penaud and substitute Melvyn Jaminet added tries for France, while the steady foot of Thomas Ramos was instrumental. Racking up 17 points through conversions and penalties, Ramos’s performance was pivotal in keeping the French ahead, especially under the challenging sweltering conditions.

“At half-time both teams were right in it, but they squeezed us in that second half,” All Blacks coach Ian Foster said.

“When we did have our chances, we weren’t quite sharp enough.

“We have to find another way out of this pool.”

New Zealand’s preparations were dealt a blow before the match, with skipper Sam Cane pulling out due to a back issue. On the field, despite the initial dominance, they found themselves trailing as Ramos’s precision ensured the French were in the driver’s seat at halftime.

While Telea managed a second try after the break, some contentious moments, like a perceived forward pass from Rieko Ioane, added to the drama. With a packed house of 78,690 voicing their disapproval, the match intensity escalated.

As if things weren’t tense enough, Will Jordan’s yellow card further complicated matters for the Kiwis, with Ramos making the most of his absence. Jaminet’s late try was the icing on the cake, sealing a memorable French victory.

With their confidence soaring, France will now shift their focus to Uruguay in Lille next Friday AEST. The All Blacks, meanwhile, will aim for a strong comeback against Namibia in Toulouse.

Meanwhile, the Wallabies will begin their RWC ’23 campaign against Georgia at Stade de France this Sunday AEST.

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