"Bit of a shocker: 2/10" - Three players who flopped in the Rugby World Cup opener

The hosts found themselves in a dogged battle deep into the final quarter, courtesy of New Zealand's wing sensation, Mark Telea, who unleashed tries in the opening moments of both halves, momentarily dampening the opening-day festivities.

Nonetheless, the indomitable Thomas Ramos, with his precise kicking prowess, and a meticulously orchestrated try by Damian Penaud, propelled France ahead, ultimately prevailing over the resilient, albeit diminishing, All Blacks.

New Zealand, renowned for their impeccable record of 31 consecutive victories in pool-stage matches at World Cups, now face a sobering reality check, but they know all too well that their campaign remains alive.

In the following sections, we dissect the performances of three New Zealand players who faced adversity during the contest.

Rugby Pass 2/10: "A bit of a shocker from the New Zealand wunderkind. Spent much of the game chasing high balls. Pinged for running under France fullback Thomas Ramos twice, with the second occurrence seeing him sent to the bin in the 58th minute."

Stuff 3/10: "Conceded a yellow card in the second half as the All Blacks’ risky strategy of aggressively contesting high kicks backfired. Had already been penalised in the first half for a similar offence but ignored the warning sign – and it really hurt the All Blacks on the scoreboard. "

Planet Rugby 4/10: "he exciting winger tried to impose himself on the game and got it all wrong as he took Thomas Ramos out in the air twice."

Planet Rugby 4/10: "Elevated into the starting role after Cane’s late withdrawal and did not make the most of his chance. He split a pass badly that cost his side and made a poor pass. He missed a few tackles and didn’t carry to the line."

Rugby Pass 4/10: "Brought in as a last-minute replacement for Sam Cane and was curiously handed the relatively unfamiliar No 6 jersey. Couldn’t clear out Julien Marchand when the French hooker went searching for the ball immediately following the opening try, with France winning the breakdown penalty. "

Rugby Pass 4/10: "Had a tough evening up against the sizeable Uini Atonio, copping two penalties in the first half. Dropped the ball trucking it up when NZ were hot on attack when he really needed to deliver it wide. Off in 53rd minute."

Stuff 3/10: ¹"Penalised twice at scrum time as he struggled against France No 3 Uini Atonio, and then knocked on as he tried to stamp his authority with ball in hand. After a similarly tough outing against South Africa, his form is suddenly an unexpected concern."

Planet Rugby 4/10: "The loosehead had a torrid time in the scrums where, by and large, Uini Atonio schooled him. He was under pressure, conceded two penalties in the first half, and did little around the park."