Live: France head coach holds press conference ahead of Rugby World Cup opener

Watch live as France head coach Fabian Galthie holds a news press after announcing his team for the opening match of the 2023 Rugby World Cup against New Zealand.

Captain Antoine Dupont and members of the team will also speak to the media on Wednesday 6 September.

The tournament kicks off with the blockbuster fixture between two of the favourites at the Stade de France on Friday.

In the World Cup’s 36-year history, only four countries - New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and England - have triumphed.

France, as well as Six Nations champions Ireland, can be added to the mix this time around, though, as genuine contenders.

However, the draw carried out in December 2020 has generated a serious imbalance with tournament heavyweights South Africa, New Zealand, Ireland and France all in its top half.

While those teams are on a quarter-final collision course, the best of the rest would point to Australia, Argentina, England and Wales.

Watch more from Independent TV at https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/editors-picks

Click here to subscribe to Independent Sport: https://bit.ly/3QTgWY1

About The Independent:
Making Change Happen. The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking newsbrand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded.

Connect with The Independent:
Check out our full video catalog: https://www.youtube.com/c/theindependent/videos
Videos, daily editorial and more: http://www.theindy.com
Click here to get the best of The Independent daily: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters
Like The Independent on Facebook: https://www.fb.com/TheIndependentOnline
Follow The Independent on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Independent
Follow The Independent on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.independent
Download the iOS & Android app: https://www.independent.co.uk/subscribe/app

Help to support truly independent journalism. Every dollar you contribute will directly fund additional special reports and investigations from a free-thinking, award-winning newsroom you can trust - https://www.independent.co.uk/donations

Subscribe to Independent Premium for exclusive content & live events: https://bit.ly/2MiOONB