World Cup opener: FRA vs NZ in numbers

France and New Zealand opened the festivities of the 2023 Rugby World Cup earlier this evening. History was yet again made as France subjected the All Blacks to their first defeat in a World Cup pool stage.

The lead change multiple times in both halves, as France went into the break with the lead. However, the scoreboard can only tell us so much, here is a quick look at the numbers of some of the players who stood out in the opening fixture.

New Zealand

Beauden Barrett: The fullback had an amazing game especially with his high balls. Barret ended the match with the most carries in the in the All Blacks team with 16, beating two defenders while making a mammoth 136 metres. Barret also completed 12 passes, 3 tackles topped off by a dominant kicking display, gaining 604 metres.

Scott Barrett: The other Barret brother was workhorse for the NZ forward pack, 33 metres off 10 carries, while charging forward with a 38 metres made post tackle. The lock forward led the way for most tackles made for the All Blacks with 11 to round off what was a good 80 mins of rugby for him.

Richie Mo'Unga: It definately wasn't a slient start from the All Blacks fly-half, however Mo'Unga came to life in the second half, making 93 metres off 10 carries, including 21 passes. Mo'Unga was also busy with the boot, gaining 244 metres off seven kicks.

Mark Telea: Perhaps New Zealands man of the match. Both All Black tries were scored by the left-winger, finishing only second to Barret in the metres gained department. However, Telea led the All Blacks in defenders beaten, breezing pass 11 defenders coupled with two clean linebreaks in his 22 minutes of play.

France

Gregory Alldritt: The eighth man was a force to be reckoned with, showing just how durable he is on the day. With just 13 carries, Aldritt made 71 metres in carries, while cementing 28 metres in post contact carries. Not one to relent on defense either, Alrdritt completed 14 tackles while completing 12 passes to round off an amazing performance. 

Matthieu Jalibert: After a rather quiet first half, Jalibert hit the road running in the second, gaining 437 metres from 10 kicks to keep the New Zealand back three under pressure. 

Thomas Ramos: The fullback was the French general on the day, gaining 55 metres off 11 carries. Ramos' upfield kicking caused many hassles for the All Blacks resulting in 586 kicking metres while beating two defenders and making 9 passes.