The wonderful Blue Victory movie

What a great opening. The Rugby World Cup under Better Sponsorship was launched with a strong French victory over the All-Blacks, perhaps yet to reach its peak.

Your first period couldn't start off any worse. After a legendary haka – kappa or banjo – with a paddle swung by Smith, the New Zealanders picked up Fabien Galthier's men cold. Complete penetration of the pivot, a wonderful kick from Barrett and Tilia scored the first try of the match (0-5). France responded immediately with two penalty kicks from Thomas Ramos (6-5). The tone is set. The All-Blacks threw the game wide, meeting close to the goal line without breaching the French safe again before half-time. The Blues fought back heroically and capitalized on every New Zealander's mistake to preserve the score. France were ahead at the end of the first half, and let's admit it, against the run of play.

Upon returning from the locker room, the scenario was repeated in the same way, with a new attempt by the same Telia at supersonic movement (9-13, 48). But the Flies had already changed their ass and the Blues were loosening their grip on the All-Blacks. After a long period of control, Damien Benaud scored a corner kick in an attempt to restore the advantage to the tricolor, an attempt that was converted by Tomas Ramos (16-13, 56). The French goal was confirmed, with a yellow card for Jordan before the break, then two new penalty kicks from Thomas Ramos (22-13, 73). The All-Blacks were cooked to perfection and, with great inspiration from Loko, ate New Zealand's 'Titi' Jaminet to a bigger-than-expected win (27-13, 78).