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New Zealand's Mark Telea (right) and Damian Penaud from the French team
Photograph:
Christophe Ena / AP
The French rugby team got off to a perfect start at the start of the World Cup. The hosts beat co-favourites New Zealand 27-13 at the Stade de France on Friday night.
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It was a historic defeat for the All Blacks. Never before had they lost a group match at a World Cup. The New Zealanders committed far too many fouls (11-4), which is why 15 of France's 27 points resulted from penalty kicks. The »All Blacks« had to do without captain Sam Cane, who was injured shortly before kick-off.
With the top two teams in the group advancing to the quarter-finals, anything is still possible for the three-time world champions despite the opening defeat. In Pool A, the other opponents are Italy, Namibia and Uruguay. For the first time, the fight for the Webb Ellis Cup will be held exclusively in France, with the final taking place on 28 October. Germany is not represented at the Rugby World Cup.
cop/dpa