On y va! All Blacks and France ready to go for RWC opener despite injury setbacks

​Scorching 36-degree heat will shine down on the Rugby World Cup opener in Paris, as hosts France take on the All Blacks in the tournament opener.

Former All Black great Ofisa Junior Tonu’u expects the conditions will play a big part in tommorow’s clash.

“It really looks like the conditions there will play a big part. We look at the pictures that we see there, it looks around 30 degrees in Paris.

“They’ve been training in segments with a lot of ice packs on them so that’ll play a big factor for them as well.”

Tonu’u noted that the All Blacks along with many other sides have been rocked by injuries, with youngster Emoni Narawa having his World Cup cut short due to injury.

“It’s sport, it’s part of the game that we play and injuries are unfortunately one of them. You feel for Narawa, who came over to his first World Cup. Jordie Barret [who’s unavailable due to a knee injury] is there too, and Torrel Lomax with that cut he had in Twickenham.

“Much like the French team who are missing key players too. But still, that’s why teams build good squads and have been doing so for years by having contingency plans if injuries occur.”

Tonu’u says in his role as a commentator he’ll be shedding any biases and focusing on the tactics each team employs.

“I’m still an All Blacks fan at heart, and a Manu Samoa fan, as well with all our Pacific teams! It’s gonna be really interesting to see who’s got the secret plays and tactics.

“[But] I suppose as a Sky commentator and presenter you’ve gotta be impartial in what you see, and when you look at how patterns are in attack and defense as well.

“What I’ve learnt as a player is that the defence will give you an answer more than the attack. So you can devise tactics and maybe that’s one thing they can talk about at half-time as well.”

Tonu’u says his excitement is high for the tournament, and expects the first game to be full of flair from both sides.

“If there’s ever a time to showcase that, it’ll be tomorrow morning.”

​Check out this video as we ask the public who their pick is for tommorow's game.