KEY POINTS:
Spiced by a lusty haka, the atmosphere was throbbing and the result was everything a Kiwi fan could desire: a 15-5 New Zealand victory over hosts France.
But it was not the Stade de France, just a small grey stadium in a hilltop suburb overlooking Paris, and the lineup fell somewhat short of the stellar teams of the World Cup.
In fact, ageing muscles and creaking sinews were the order of the day, as middle-aged politicians of the global rugby powers took to the turf.
"It all went off very well, it was a great atmosphere," says Alain Delgery, organiser of the fourth Parliamentary Rugby World Cup, a quirky event staged every four years to coincide with the real event.
The newspaper Le Parisien said France could call it "an honourable defeat" as three of the NZ squad, co-headed by National MP Murray McCully and Labour's Tourism Minister Damien O'Connor, are former All Blacks. Other MPs in the team are Chris Tremain (son of former All Black Kel Tremain), John Carter, Mark Blumsky and Colin King - all from National.
But France's honour came at a price: Didier Migaud, an MP for Isere in the French Alps, who is also chairman of the Finance Commission in the National Assembly, pulled a muscle in training.
Another Isere lawmaker, Michel Issindou, broke a rib, while Paris deputy Patrick Bloche is in a leg-brace after wrecking the cruciate ligaments in his knee.
Team doctor Michele Delaunay, a Bordeaux MP, had a lot of work on her hands. "Lucky it was a friendly match," joked Delgery, who gave a toll of 17 injuries in the opening round's four matches.
In the other matches, reigning champions Australia beat Great Britain 17-0; Argentina overcame Ireland 11-8; and a multinational team of inter-parliamentarians were seen off 10-3 by South Africa.
In the next round, Les Bleus play South Africa, while New Zealand take on Ireland.
A final day of competition is due on Thursday; the tournament winner is the team that accumulates the most points.
Participating teams are South Africa, Argentina, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, France and the United Kingdom as well as a team of inter-parliamentarians. Teams are allowed parliamentary workers to fill gaps in their lineup.
This year, 77 lawmakers have been taking part. France has the biggest political contribution, with 19 members of the National Assembly or Senate involved.
Most are Socialists from the southwest, France's rugby-playing heartland.
Oldest is Senator Aymeri de Montesquieu - a very sprightly 65 - who plays in the forwards.
The New Zealand side has 13 parliamentarians, Australia 17 and Great Britain just eight in their squad, while Ireland boasts three ministers in its squad.
