France Rugby World Cup 2019 fixtures: squad, match dates and latest team news
When does the 2019 Rugby World Cup start?
The opening match of the 2019 Rugby World Cup kicked off today, as nations from all across the globe compete for the Webb Ellis Cup.
Who is in France's World Cup squad?
What date is France's opening match?
It is against Argentina on Saturday, September 21, at 8.15am BST.
Who is in France's group?
What are France's full RWC fixtures?
MATCH ONE
France vs Argentina... Tokyo Stadium... Saturday, September 21... 8.15am BST... (ITV)
MATCH TWO
France vs USA... Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium... Wednesday, October 2... 8.45am BST... (ITV 4)
MATCH THREE
France vs Tonga... Kumamoto Stadium... Sunday, October 6... 8.45am BST... (ITV)
MATCH FOUR
England vs France... International Stadium Yokohama... Saturday, October 12... 9.15am BST... (ITV)
When are the knockout rounds?
The quarter-finals are on October 19-20.
The semi-finals are on October 26-27.
The Bronze Final is on November 1.
The Final is on November 2.
What is the latest France team news?
Veteran No 8 Louis Picamoles was included in France's Rugby World Cup squad while tough-tackling lock Felix Lambey was left out by coach Jacques Brunel.
The 33-year-old Picamoles was uncertain of getting the nod for his third World Cup, after some below-par performances in the Six Nations, but Brunel judged his 79 international caps to be of value.
He will compete for a starting place in Japan with Gregory Alldritt, who is less physical but brings much greater mobility and a genuine try-scoring threat.
Two players initially named among the reserves, the speedy prop Cyril Baille and flanker Charles Ollivon, impressed Brunel in recent friendly matches and made a 31-man squad which has a 17-14 split between forwards and backs.
Versatile fly-half Anthony Belleau was involved during the Six Nations but missed out this time.
Instead, Brunel went for the highly-promising Romain Ntamack alongside Camille Lopez, whose international career under Brunel appeared to be over after he criticised team strategy and decision-making following a 44-8 Six Nations defeat away to England in February.
The 20-year-old Ntamack made a good impression for France at the Six Nations, despite difficult circumstances and a chronic lack of a running game in the side. He now joins his father - the former winger Emile Ntamack - in playing at the World Cup.
Ntamack is likely to share kicking duties with Lopez, with both having taken penalties for France before.
Veteran Maxime Medard is vying for the starting position at full-back with Thomas Ramos, while Fiji-born Clermont winger Alivereti Raka contests a starting berth with the pacey Yoann Huget and Damian Penaud.
