HOSTS France did their billing as second favourites for the 2023 Rugby World Cup justice after a display of relentless defence and pinpoint goal kicking in a 27-13 win.
However, it might have been very different had Richie Mo’unga not left his kicking boots at the hotel as he fluffed four chances under the sticks.
The day was melting, the queues were endless, the organisation was pitiful and the opening ceremony was incomprehensible.
But the tournament exploded into life to a deafening 78,690 here inParis.
New Zealand came here to spoil the party and there’s no doubt about who fired the first shot in the roasting cauldron of Stade de France.