Hosts France make major statement with victory over All Blacks

This time it was France who seized the moment and did more than enough to get their campaign up and running, even if they will be the first to appreciate they will need to improve.

ROARING SUCCESS: Damian Penaud of France celebrates. Pic: Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

France 29 New Zealand 13

France, three times runners-up, needed a statement win to kickstart their bid for a first-ever World Cup title and what better way to do it than come from behind on a glorious night at Stade de France and inflict a first-ever pool defeat on the All Blacks.