![]() The first World Cup winners didn’t lose anywhere for three more years. So Kiwis, like everyone else, were blown away by a 1987 team which set new standards for skill, pace and fitness. World Cup high: The 1986 rebel tour of apartheid South Africa dimmed New Zealand’s passion for rugby. Valued enough to be carried despite a hamstring injured in training, he won’t be available for the France opener. New Zealand is still hoping he becomes the blindside flanker it has been wishing for since Jerome Kaino. The former Tonga youth soccer international has had an up-and-down test rugby career. ![]() The World Cup opener against France has turned into a measure of the All Blacks’ renowned powers of recovery. Foster wanted the warmup to get his side battle ready. They also started flat for a second straight test. They lost their poise, the leadership failed, and they didn’t throw a metaphorical punch. What hurt the All Blacks more was not the record size of the thrashing but their inability to problem solve on the field and combat their issues. Prospects: After crushing the Rugby Championship, New Zealand’s aura was scorched by South Africa at Twickenham in the last warmup. The only coach to win every Tri-Nations/Rugby Championship in a World Cup cycle. Made captain in 2020 and this year staying fit long enough to finally enjoy it.Ĭoach: Ian Foster. Recovered from a broken neck to play in the 2019 World Cup. Backs: Antoine Dupont (captain), Maxime Lucu, Baptiste Couilloud, Matthieu Jalibert, Antoine Hastoy, Damian Penaud, Gabin Villiere, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Gael Fickou, Jonathan Danty, Arthur Vincent, Yoram Moefana, Thomas Ramos, Melvyn Jaminet.Ĭaptain: Sam Cane. Squad: Forwards: Cyril Baille, Jean-Baptiste Gros, Reda Wardi, Uini Atonio, Dorian Aldegheri, Sipili Falatea, Julien Marchand, Peato Mauvaka, Pierre Bourgarit, Thibaud Flament, Bastien Chalureau, Romain Taofifenua, Cameron Woki, Gregory Alldritt, Paul Boudehent, Francois Cros, Sekou Macalou, Charles Ollivon, Anthony Jelonch. France crept back almost to par on Christope Lamaison’s crafty boot then unleashed 26 points in 13 minutes. A second Jonah Lomu try lifted New Zealand 24-10 ahead five minutes after halftime. World Cup high: The greatest World Cup comeback, the 1999 semifinal. He pops up everywhere, sniping from rucks, covering in defense, and creating tries. France’s poster boy and leader makes everyone around him look better. Lose, and France has three winnable pool games to regain momentum for a likely monster quarterfinal against probably Ireland or South Africa. The World Cup opener against New Zealand is a big deal only in attracting more eyeballs to the tournament. His understudy is Antoine Hastoy, who has five caps and one start. Flyhalf Romain Ntamack, who’d won 16 of his last 17 tests, was ruled out of the World Cup by an ACL injury but France doesn’t lose much in his replacement Matthieu Jalibert, who’s averaged a try or assist every 85 minutes since the last World Cup, the best rate by a tier one flyhalf. In its unbeaten run at home since November 2021, France has knocked over every other team ranked in the top 10. Les Tricolores have everything going for them good coaching, a sweetly executed four-year buildup, strength and depth and smarts, and home advantage. Prospects: This tournament is France’s to lose. Has primed France to peak at its home World Cup thanks to a winning percentage of 80 and an unbeaten record at home for nearly two years. Assistant coach at the 2019 World Cup and took charge afterward. Dupont’s ambition also reportedly includes a desire to play for France sevens at the Paris Olympics next year.Ĭoach: Fabien Galthie. Six Nations Grand Slam, European and French club titles, world and Six Nations player of the year. Regarded as the best player in the world, for which he has been well rewarded. This stunning athlete has devoted her life to building the most amazing body the fitness industry has ever seen, and there’s no denying her place at the top of every man’s fantasy wish list.The Webb Ellis Cup, the championship trophy for the Rugby World Cup, is displayed on the field before the Rugby World Cup final at International Yokohama Stadium between England and South Africa in Yokohama, Japan, Saturday, Nov. The powerfully packed petite Goddess stands only 5 feet tall and weighs 93 pounds, but she’s a giant when it comes to personality.Īutumn’s global fan base continues to grow at a rapid pace, and it’s easy to see why. Autumn Blair is the sexiest fitness model in the world.
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