“It’s an incredible energy” says Raphael Ibanez, the French national rugby coach, as his team is welcomed to their World Cup base camp by some 5,000 fans. The 2023 Rugby World Cup kicks off on Friday when hosts France take on three-time champions New Zealand. “We’re lucky enough to be playing this World Cup in France” says Louis Bielle-Biarrey, France winger, “I hope it makes a difference in the matches.”