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The Rugby World Cup gets underway on Friday when France take on three-time champions New Zealand at the Stade de France in what could be a dress rehearsal for the final back in the same arena on October 28.

When their names were drawn in the same group three years ago the idea of using the fixture between them to kick-off the competition was quickly made reality by organisers - tickets were sold out in days.

Adding to the buzz around the game is the history between the countries at World Cups.

The fact that New Zealand have won three titles and France have lost three finals tells its own story but they have had some monumental clashes.

The All Blacks clubbed the French in the inaugural final in 1987, narrowly came out on top in the 2011 championship match and hammered them again in the quarterfinals in 2015.

In between, however, the French played breath-taking rugby to stun the Kiwis in 1999 and 2007.

This weekend, captaining Les Bleus, unbeaten at home since February 2021, is star scrum-half Antoine Dupont.

He has been a key part of France's impressive performances in recent years but remains respectful about the All Blacks.

"They're surely the greatest team to see playing. They have made generations dream," said Dupont.

"Since the World Cup has existed they are the team that has made their mark the most with extraordinary players and teams.

"When I was younger, like a lot who are passionate about rugby, I admired the team, and their players.

"All the conditions are in place for a great event," the 26-year-old added.

‘FRENCH FERVOUR’

Dupont's side have beaten every team they have faced at least once since Fabien Galthie took over as head coach in December 2019.

Expectations surrounding the home side are high, with many believing they can beat New Zealand and eventually lift the Webb Ellis trophy for the first time.

"Obviously the closer we get, the more we feel the excitement, the enthusiasm, the fervour," Dupont said.

"The supporters, the media, social media, we see it everywhere. I don't feel negative pressure in the team.

"I hope we build up little by little and unite as a 23 to get on the field on Friday," he added.

France will be without bulldozing centre Jonathan Danty with youngster Yoram Moefana deputising in midfield.

New Zealand will also be missing their first-choice No 12 with the experienced Anton Lienert-Brown replacing the injured Jordie Barrett.

At the Stade de France, coming up against Dupont, the 2021 World Rugby player of the year, will be Aaron Smith winning his 120th test cap.

"He's an amazing athlete and an amazing player," Smith said of Dupont.

"He's proved that over the last few years with all the awards he's won.

"Defensively our game has a big eye on Dupont and what he can do, and about shutting that down," Smith added.

Smith, 34, helped his country to the 2015 World Cup title but was also part of the side to suffer a record defeat to South Africa in their most recent outing late last month.

He is expected to retire from test rugby at the end of the World Cup having also added a host of Bledisloe Cups and Rugby Championships to his trophy haul in a lengthy international career.

"When you get to this part of your career, every day's a special day and it doesn't get more special than an All Black at a World Cup," Smith said.

"For me, when the game got announced France at home at the Stade de France, I couldn't help dreaming and visioning being in those moments.

"As a competitor, you want these moments."