Rugby World Cup: 16:08, All Blacks arrive at Gare de Lyon.

This Wednesday, shortly before 15:00, in Hall 2 of the Gare de Lyon, a young woman with a yellow scarf on her head plays the piano and films herself with a smartphone. She is probably far from aware that one of the world’s best rugby teams is about to step off the 4.08pm train from Lyon Perrache.

The All Blacks, who have been based in Lyon since their arrival in France, did join the capital two days before their World Cup opener against the Blues at the Stade de France this Friday.

Several railway police officers were grouped in front of the entrance to the platforms. A clear protocol is planned for the arrival of the New Zealand team. No mingling with the crowd for safety reasons: it will be exiting the rear of the train without even crossing the station. Ian Foster’s men will land on Route 23.

As they exited Car 1, specially reserved for the occasion, at the rear of the train, staff and players quickly made their way to their coach under police protection. Smiles, covered faces, headphones in their ears, future opponents of the blues will not stop.

“17 out of 20 teams will use the train”

Attending the event, Amelie Udea-Castera, Minister of Sports, Olympic and Paralympic Games, was delighted to welcome “the legendary team with all due respect.” Clément Beaune, Minister Delegate for Transport, welcomed the massive and unprecedented use of the train at the 2023 FIFA World Cup. “These sporting events (including in connection with the Olympic Games in Paris) are environmentally friendly,” he assured. We pay attention to modes of transport. We have a completely new partnership (with SNCF) as 17 of the 20 teams at this Rugby World Cup will be traveling by train. 80% of trips, movements, crews and equipment will be carried out primarily by train or bus.

The All Blacks have joined Creteil and will train this Thursday at INSEP. On Friday they will see Fabien Galthie’s Blues aim to take them to the long-awaited World Cup.