The All Blacks have lost their opening match at the Rugby World Cup to host France 29-13. The All Blacks had opened the scoring with a try inside the opening minutes to wing Mark Talea, but trailed 9-8 at halftime. The second half saw the All Blacks concede multiple penalties with a final count 12-4 , and had Will Jordan sin-binned for a challenge in the air. Captain Sam Cane was scratched before the game due to a back injury, and this saw Tupou Vaa’i came in at blindside flanker, Dalton Papalii switch to the openside, and Brodie Retallick come into the reserves.

Tasman flanker Ethan Blackadder has been called into the squad as injury cover, and has replaced winger Emoni Narawa who is returning home with a back injury

New Zealand: 13 

Tries: Mark Telea 2, Penalty: Richie Mo'unga pen). HT: 9-8

France: 29 

Tries: Damian Penaud, Melvyn Jaminet tries; Thomas Ramos con, 5 pen)