France-New Zealand to launch the competition
Rugby fans dreamed of it.
The World Cup will begin with a major shock, on September 8 at the Stade de France, between the Blues and the All Blacks.
“We could not dream of better, confides in Figaro Claude Atcher, the director of France 2023. The impact of this match will be enormous, will mobilize all the supporters, all the media.
The broadcasters are predicting 15 to 20 million viewers in France for this match. "
Fabien Galthié has given his agreement.
On the New Zealand side, it is grimace, however.
They very much fear this entry with fanfare against supercharged Blues ...
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Lille, Lyon and Marseille will see the Blues
To complete its first round, the XV of France will play in Lille on Thursday September 14 against the American qualifier (probably the United States), then in Marseille on Thursday September 21 against the African qualifier.
Namibia or… Algeria.
“A France-Algeria in Marseille, I dream of it too.
It would be an incredible symbol ”, hopes Claude Atcher.
The last match of the Blues will be held on Friday, October 6 in Lyon against Italy.
They will then play their quarter-final at the Stade de France.
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At least one big poster per city
To kick off the World Cup, the first weekend will be royal.
France-New Zealand on Friday evening, England-Argentina (in Marseille) on Saturday evening and Scotland-South Africa (still in Marseille) on Sunday.
"We are launching the event on three huge posters," said Atcher.
Each of the nine host cities (Saint-Denis, Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux, Nice, Lille, Saint-Etienne, Nantes and Toulouse) will have at least one big poster: Fidji Galles in Bordeaux, Argentina-Japan in Nantes, England-Japan in Nice… The big teams will double per city: England will play twice in Lille, the All Blacks twice in Lyon, South Africa twice in Marseille, Australia twice in Saint-Etienne, Japan twice. times in Toulouse ...
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The Stade de France and the Vélodrome stadium for the final phase
Two quarters will be played at the Stade de France, those of France and New Zealand.
Against the first two in Pool B, South Africa, Ireland or Scotland.
The other two will take place in Marseille (England, Australia, Argentina, Wales, or even Japan or Fiji).
The semi-finals, the small final and the final will all be played at the Stade de France.
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