Macron whistled, a successful opening ceremony

At the Stade de France

The preamble. The appetizer. More than an hour before the official kick-off of the Rugby World Cup 2023, the opening ceremony gave it there. 33 French celebrities followed one another on the lawn of Saint-Denis to represent France.

Personalities from all fields, all the arts: cinema, music, gastronomy or even crafts. The filmmaker Philippe Lacheau, the model Adriana Karembeu and the actor, and co-organizer of this performance, Jean Dujardin were big winners in the applause meter at the Stade de France.

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Stars who presented themselves to the public almost half an hour before the start of this ceremony, scheduled for 8 p.m. If a thrill ran through the stadium suggesting an early start, this show did indeed start on time.

It’s Jean Dujardin who sets the tone, arriving all dashing on his bike. Then follows a lap around the track to greet their partners for the day. Zaz sings the song and the audience all joins in. Communion takes.

Macron under the whistle

Then, the ceremony accelerates. An Eiffel Tower is deployed in the center of the field. The audience is speechless, stunned, amazed, won over. Before Jean Dujardin reaches the top and takes the crowd with him a little more. Fireworks perfectly concluded this ceremony which sets the tone. On to the match.

Before the kick-off given by Antoine Dupont and his gang, the officials spoke. Bill Beaumont, president of World Rugby, was covered by an improvised Marseillaise.

Emmanuel Macron then returned under the whistles of the Stade de France. The head of state’s speech was almost entirely covered by public discontent, remaining silent from time to time to encourage the Blues. More than ever, players are kept waiting.