The Nations Championship starts with a bang as New Zealand host France in Christchurch on Saturday.

The new 12-team tournament was created to pit the world’s best teams and players against each other more often – and the curtain-raiser certainly promises to do that.

France head into the clash after winning a second consecutive Six Nations title earlier this year, while the All Blacks remain one of the sport’s elite sides and have a dominant record over the visitors.

Indeed, Les Bleus were beaten 3-0 across three games when they toured New Zealand last summer and will want to strike back.

Radio Times has rounded up everything you need to know about how to watch New Zealand v France on TV and online.

Read more: Nations Championship TV schedule

When is New Zealand v France?

New Zealand v France will take place on Saturday 4 July 2026.

The game takes place at the One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch, New Zealand.

What time is New Zealand v France kick-off?

New Zealand v France will kick off at 8:10am.

Check out the Nations Championship TV schedule with our comprehensive guide.

What TV channel is New Zealand v France on?

New Zealand v France will be shown live on ITV1 from 7:30am.

Rugby experts and former players will provide plenty of build-up to the big game in the run-up to kick-off.

Every match of the tournament will be shown live across ITV platforms.

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How to live stream New Zealand v France online

New Zealand v France will be live streamed on ITVX for free.

Fans can tune in to watch all the action live and on the move via a range of device, including smartphones and tablets via the ITVX app.

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New Zealand v France odds

In working partnership with the Radio Times,bet365has provided the following betting odds for this event:

bet365 odds: New Zealand (1/5) v France (7/2)*

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Authors

Black and white cut-out portrait headshot of Ned Holmes, smiling against a lime green background.

Ned is a sports writer at RadioTimes.com. He has covered a host of sports from EFL football, international cricket and golf all the way through to bike polo and triathlon.