7 Sep 2023

All Blacks name starting 15 for opening World Cup match

From Morning Report, 7:41 am on 7 September 2023

New Zealand's team for the opening match of the Rugby World Cup against France has been named this morning, with coach Ian Foster making four changes to the side that suffered a record defeat to South Africa almost two weeks ago.

Midfielder Jordie Barrett misses out due to injury, with Anton Leinert-Brown slotting in to take the number 12 jersey, while Nepo Laulala comes in for the injured Tyrel Lomax at prop.

Other changes see Codie Taylor replacing Dane Coles at hooker, and Dalton Papali'i moves to blindside, pushing Luke Jacobson to the bench.

About 80,000 fans are expected at Stade de France on Saturday morning, with the All Blacks expecting a hostile reception from the home crowd.

Rugby reporter Joe Porter spoke to Corin Dann.