Less than 21 days to go ... the Rugby World Cup kicks off with the first game seeing hosts country France take on Argentina in the Stade de France in Paris on September 7th.
This World Cup is a great and unique occasion for all sports fans from around the planet and much celebrations are expecting to take place right across the country. Many of the host cities are rolling out their welcome mat for teams and supporters with special events and festivals marking the sport and that 'oh so French' lifestyle.
Whether the French rugby team can go on and do the same as 'Les Bleus' did in 1998 remains to be seen. France is listed as probably the best team never to have won the World Cup ... But for sure owners of local bars and cafés will be busy discussing and dreaming of a French success throughout the tournament despite the All Blacks being the obvious favourites. Allez Les Bleus!!!
GROUPS:
Pool A - England, South Africa, Samoa, USA, Tonga
Pool B - Australia, Wales, Fiji, Canada, Japan
Pool C - New Zealand, Scotland, Italy, Romania, Portugal
Pool D - France, Ireland, Argentina, Georgia, Namibia
MATCHES AND VENUES:
PARIS - Parc des Princes/Stade de France
Matches in Paris The Parc des Princes:
September 9: South Africa v Samoa
September 19: Italy v Portugal
September 28: England v Tonga
September 30: Ireland v Argentina
October 19: 3rd place v 4th place
Matches at the Stade de France:
September 7: France v Argentina
September 14: England v South Africa
September 21: France v Ireland
October 7: QF4 Winner pool D v Second pool C
October 13: Winner QF1 v Winner QF2
October 14: Winner QF3 v Winner QF4
October 20: Final
Matches in Marseille - Stade Vélodrome
September 8: New Zealand v Italy
September 12: Italy v Romania
September 22: Argentina v Namibia
September 30: France v Georgia
October 6: QF1 Winner pool B v Second pool A
October 7: QF3 Winner pool A v Second pool B
Matches in Bordeaux - The Chaban-Delmas Stadium
September 9: Ireland v Namibia
September 15: Ireland v Georgia
September 25: Canada v Japan
September 29: Australia v Canada
Matches in Lens - Stade Félix-Bollaert
September 8: England v USA
September 22: South Africa v Tonga
September 26: Georgia v Namibia
Matches in Lyon - Stade Gerland
September 8: Australia v Japan
September 11: Argentina v Georgia
September 15: New Zealand v Portugal
Matches in Montpellier - Stade de la Mosson
September 12: USA v Tonga
September 16: Samoa v Tonga
September 23: Australia v Fiji
September 30: South Africa v USA
Matches in Nantes - Stade la Beaujoire
September 9: Wales v Canada
September 22: England v Samoa
September 29: Wales v Fiji
Matches in Saint Etienne - Stade Geoffroy-Guichard
September 9: Scotland v Portugal
September 26: Samoa v USA
September 29: Scotland v Italy
Matches in Toulouse - Le Stade
September 12: Fiji v Japan
September 16: France v Namibia
September 25: Romania v Portugal
September 29: New Zealand v Romania
ADDITIONAL/USEFUL INFORMATION:
Find out about French regions
Rent a Holiday Villa in France
10 Day Weather Forecast
Learn about French Food & Classic Recipes
Useful Links and Information
Cheap Calls Abroad - Buy a French Sim Card
Insurance in France - Quotes in English
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