Thomas Ramos scored 14 points as France kicked off their home tournament with a victory over New Zealand 27-13.

New Zealand had never lost a World Cup pool game before but Damian Penaud’s and Melvyn Jaminet’s tries combined with Ramos’ deadly place kicking were enough for Fabian Galthie’s side to put in a statement performance at a packed out, vibrant Stade de France.

The last time France hosted the tournament in 2007 they imploded in an opening day defeat to Argentina but their breakdown and set piece superiority led Les Blues to victory in the World Cup opener.

New Zealand’s pre match preparations were blown apart when captain Sam Cane was ruled out through injury an hour before kick off.

But the All Blacks made a scintillating start as after Rieko Ioane’s surge through the middle, star full back Beauden Barrett had penalty advantage and delivered a pinpoint cross field kick to pick out Mark Telea who grounded in the corner after just 93 seconds.

France hit back with a Thomas Ramos penalty but hooker Julian Marchand was taken off with a leg injury after 11 minutes in what could be another major blow for Fabian Galthie’s side.

Ramos put France ahead with a second penalty before his kick was cancelled out by Richie Mo’unga’s three-pointer.

Toulouse full back Ramos put over a third penalty from halfway as France began to dominate at scrum time with Uini Atonio getting the better of Ethan de Groot.

New Zealand started the second like they started the first as inside three minutes they restored their lead through another try by Telea.

Ardie Savea’s chip and chase was pounced on by Will Jordan and Rieko Ioane’s beautiful pass picked out his Blues teammate who grounded once more out wide.

Penaud raced down the right and looked set to score but Mo’unga made a world class intervention with a try saving tackle.

But moments later Penaud couldn’t be denied.

Mathieu Jalibert picked out his wing as France utilised an overlap out wide and Bordeaux Begles’ new signing crossed in the corner with Ramos converting from a difficult angle. 

Things went from bad to worse for New Zealand as Jordan was yellow carded for colliding with Ramos midair.

Ramos recovered from an earlier miss to knock over his fourth penalty to extend the hosts’ lead to six points.

France dominated the second half in terms of possession and territory and Ramos rewarded their superiority with a fifth penalty.

Substitute Melvyn Jaminet put the finishing touches on a wonderful French display as an up and under from Maxime Lucu took a kind bounce allowed the full back to touch down.