France-New Zealand teams are expected to be the ‘final’ in Group A to start the World Cup

An early clash between two favorites for the final will set the tone… with the quarter-finals on the horizon, where defending champions South Africa, world No. 1 Ireland or surprise Scotland await.

But there is an opening game to play first and win. “We want it, it will be a very important game to start the tournament. There is a lot of expectation around us, we know it will be a tough game, we expect a great fight against New Zealand, which is improving. ,” French international Gaël AFP. Fickou said.

France XV have only one goal in this match. “It’s clear that winning is our goal for four years and we shouldn’t hide it. We know all the difficulties we face, but we’ll do whatever it takes to win,” Ficco added.

Behind the standard captain Antoine Dupont of this French generation, the ferocious Gregory Aldrit, the obnoxious Damien Benaud, the metronome Thomas Ramos or the indispensable Julien Marchand are trying to form an army to pass the quarter-finals for the first time since 2011. Finally reaching the first World Cup for a European power.

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But standing in the way of the finals are the legendary All Blacks, who are looking for a fourth world title four years after their defeat in Japan.

As usual, they come with the three Beauton brothers, Jordy and Scott Barrett, but also a star-studded team including Artie Savea, Richie Mounga, Will Jordan and Sam Kane.

The Men in Black will be looking to avenge their historic defeat against South Africa (35-7) that ended their eleven-match unbeaten streak. They will come down with a knife between the teeth.

In full resurrection, Italy faces two giants that will act as justice of the peace, led by its golden generation, Ange Capuozzo and Paolo Garbisi.

During the 2023 Six Nations, the Transylvanians caused problems for France (29-24 defeat) and Ireland (34-20 defeat). Recently beat Australia (28-27) and Wales (22-21).

‘Deros’ and ‘Welwitzias’, for success

Before handing over to Argentina’s Gonzalo Quesada, coach Kieran Crowley will be looking to close his cycle with a third place finish in the group, which is tantamount to qualifying for the 2027 World Cup.

The goal for Uruguay is clear: a surprise winner against Fiji (30-27) in 2019, four years later they also want to win a tournament. “Even two,” added Manuel Leindegger in the second row.

“You have to dream big to win. If you finish third in your group, you qualify directly for the next World Cup, for which you have four years to prepare, something Uruguay has never had,” he said in an interview. AFP..

Winning a match is the only objective for Namibia. Can Welwitzias end their 22 match losing streak?