PARIS (AFP) – World Cup hosts France and rugby's historic powerhouse New Zealand meet in Group A, which kicks off with the final on September 8, with Italy taking on Namibia. and Uruguay.
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An early clash between two teams that are heavy favorites to win the final will set the tone for this tie…with the quarter-finals on the horizon, where defending champions South Africa, world number 1 Ireland or Scotland await.
But first we have to play an opening game and win. “We are really looking forward to it, it will be a very important match for us to start the tournament. There is a lot of anticipation around us, we know it will be a complicated match, we expect a great fight against New Zealand, who advances,” said French international Gaël AFP. Fickou said.
France's XV has only one objective in this match. “It is clear that winning is our goal for four years and we must not hide it. We know all the difficulties we face, but we will do whatever it takes to win,” added Fikkou.
Behind the standard captain Antoine Dupont of this French generation, the warrior Gregory Aldrit, the obnoxious Damien Benaud, the metronome Thomas Ramos or the indispensable Julien Marchand form an army to finally achieve the quarter-finals for the first time since 2011. The first World Cup for a European powerhouse.
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But on the way to the final appear the legendary All Blacks, who will be eyeing a fourth world title four years after their defeat in Japan.
As usual, they come with a star-studded bankroll including the three Beauton brothers, Jordie and Scott Barrett but also Artie Xaviah, 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 'Velwitshias' are looking for success
Before handing over the reins to Argentina's Gonzalo Quesada, coach Kieran Crowley will look to close his cycle with third place in the group, which equates to qualification for the 2027 World Cup.
Uruguay's goal is clear: a surprise winner against Fiji (30-27) in 2019, four years later they also want to win a game. “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..
Namibia has the same objective of winning a tournament. Can Velvitsias end their 22-match losing streak in the tournament?
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