RWC Teams: Big-name French star ruled out in tournament opener against All Blacks – The Roar

PARIS – All Blacks centre Jordie Barrett has been ruled out of the Rugby World Cup opener against France with a knee injury, becoming the fourth Kiwi starter sidelined for the marquee clash.

Barrett joins starters Tyrel Lomax, Brodie Retallick and Shannon Frizell on the sideline. There was bad news for exciting winger Emoni Narawa, who was injured in training during the week and is heading home with a disc issue in his back. He will be replaced in the squad by an as yet unnamed player.

Anton Lienert-Brown has been named at 12 while Nepo Laulala comes in for Lomax and Dalton Papali’i for Frizell. Scott Barrett and Sam Whitelock are the locks.

Damian McKenzie misses out on the squad with David Havili and Leicester Fianga’anuku selected at 22 and 23.

“It is a privilege to play in the opening game of Rugby World Cup 2023,” said All Blacks head coach Ian Foster.

“What makes it extra special is playing the host nation who are a very proud and in-form team.

Earlier, the tournament hosts France have named their team for Friday’s World Cup opener (Saturday, 5:15am AEST) against New Zealand, with Jonathan Danty’s absence confirmed.

The star centre had been in doubt for the past week, after it was confirmed that he had a minor leg injury following France’s 41-17 win over the Wallabies at the Stade de France.

The hulking centre has been replaced by Yoram Moefana.

The star centre had been in doubt for the past week, after it was confirmed that he had a minor leg injury following France’s 41-17 win over the Wallabies at the Stade de France.

The hulking centre has been replaced by Yoram Moefana.

Elsewhere, Cameron Woki comes into the starting side to partner Francois Cros following Paul Willemse’s groin issue saw him excluded at the last moment from Fabien Galthie’s 33-man World Cup squad.

“We’re getting into this match with the best France team,” Galthie told a news conference ahead of Friday’s match.

Antoine Dupont will captain France in their tournament opener against the All Blacks. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)

Les Bleus have missed several of their stars in recent weeks, including Romain Ntamack. Loose-head propCyril Baille will also miss the start of the World Cup.

Nonetheless, France have named a strong side with Antoine Dupont to captain the side and form a strong halves combination alongside Matthieu Jalibert.

World class back-rowers Charles Ollivon and Gregory Alldritt feature alongside Francois Cros.

The All Blacks will name their team on Wednesday afternoon.

France (1-15): Reda Wardi, Julien Marchand, Uini Atonio, Cameron Woki, Thibaud Flament, Francois Cros, Charles Ollivon, Gregory Alldritt, Antoine Dupont (c), Matthieu Jalibert, Gabin Villiere, Yoram Moefana, Gael Fickou, Damian Penaud, Thomas Ramos,

Replacements: Peato Mauvaka, Jean-Baptiste Gros, Dorian Aldegheri, Romain Taofifenua, Paul Boudehent, Maxime Lucu, Arthur Vincent, Melvyn Jaminet.

All Blacks (1-15): Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor, Nepo Laulala, Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett, Dalton Papali’i, Sam Cane, Ardie Savea, Aaron Smith, Richie Mo’unga, Mark Telea, Anton Lienert-Brown, Rieko Ioane, Will Jordan, Beauden Barrett.

Replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Fletcher Newell, Tupou Vaa’i, Luke Jacobson, Finlay Christie, David Havili, Leicester Fainga’anuku.

Springboks name team to face Scots

Springbok scrumhalf Faf de Klerk will play his 50th Test as 11 of the starting team that smashed the All Blacks will run out for the opener against Scotland in Marseille on Sunday.

Boks coach Jacques Nienaber tweaked his selection for the opening salvo in an imposing group.

Scotland are ranked fifth in the world, the Boks number two and pool rivals, Ireland, number one.

There is only one change in the Springbok starting pack. Jasper Wiese takes over at No.8 from Duane Vermeulen, who moves to the bench,

In the backline, Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel are picked in the centres and Cheslin Kolbe returns as a left wing in place of Makazole Mapimpi.

Exciting back Canan Moodie and lock Jean Kleyn, were not considered for selection due to hamstring and knee niggles respectively.

Nienaber, who tried a 7-1 replacement split against the All Blacks, has been a little more cautious, going with 6-2.

“We are pleased with the squad depth we have built in the last few months, and we believe this group of players strikes the right balance to achieve the result we need against Scotland,” said Nienaber.

“We are very excited about this occasion. We’ve been building for this World Cup for the last four years and we are thrilled to get our campaign started.

“We’ve been working hard in the last few weeks to make sure we are as prepared as possible going into this match and we are fully aware of the challenge that awaits us.”

Nienaber said he expected a close match against Scotland.

“Scotland are a quality team with a strong pack and skilful backs, and they play with a lot of intensity, so we need to be sharp on attack and defence on Sunday,” he said.

“They have proved in the last few seasons that they can beat any team, and with this being the opening game of the World Cup for both sides, they will be equally as charged up as us for the match.”

Springboks (1-15): Steven Kitshoff, Malcolm Marx, Frans Malherbe, Eben Etzebeth , Franco Mostert, Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jasper Wiese, Faf de Klerk, Manie Libbok, Cheslin Kolbe, Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Damian Willemse.

Replacements: Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche, Trevor Nyakane, RG Snyman, Marco van Staden, Duane Vermeulen, Grant Williams, Willie le Roux.