It’s time for the champions to get nervous.
The All Blacks record against France in World Cups is dodgy enough. Blessed by some odd refereeing four years ago, they were lucky to beat Les Bleus in the final at Eden Park. Chuck in defeats in a 1999 semi-final and 2007 quarter-final and you can see why New Zealanders are getting worried about Saturday night.
But this is paranoia on a ridiculous scale.
France’s 24-9 defeat to Ireland means they play the All Blacks in Cardiff, while Joe Schmidt’s men take on Argentina a day later.
Under the headline: “Did France tank it?” the New Zealand Herald asked whether yesterday’s defeat was all a cunning ruse by Les Bleus to set up a recreation of their famous 2007 win at the Millennium Stadium.
The basis for the article is a prediction made before the game by World Cup-winning coach Graham Henry, that Philippe Saint-Andre’s men would be “indifferent” to yesterday’s Pool D decider against Ireland.
“There’s a French psyche that doesn’t like playing Argentina so I just wonder if they might be a bit indifferent going into tomorrow morning’s game about the result (against Ireland). (Whereas) I don’t think they mind playing the All Blacks,” said Henry.
“You look back to 1999. I think something happened in 2007 as well. So the French have got a bit of history in World Cups played in the northern hemisphere and I think they will feel more comfortable playing the All Blacks than they would playing Argentina.”
Most would think it unlikely that France would rather play a team they have beaten just 12 times in 55 Tests instead of the Pumas – who have had Les Bleus’ number just 13 times in 48 attempts
Not that the thought of the French looming on the horizon has completely dented that Kiwi confidence. Under the headline “All-southern hemisphere semi-finals?” the Herald state that Ireland are Europe’s best hope of preventing a Rugby Championship clean sweep.
“Ireland against Argentina looks the tightest of the four quarter-finals and the tantalising prospect of the Wallabies needing to complete a grand slam sweep of the four home nations to make a fourth World Cup final remains a distinct possibility.”
Over at stuff.co.nz, Toby Robson has some complimentary things to say about the Irish fans and Robbie Henshaw, while questioning the worth of the French side.
“It’s supposed to send shudders down New Zealand rugby fans spines, only Ireland’s 24-9 win over the tricolors at Millennium Stadium suggests there isn’t a lot to fear.
“Their fans poured into Cardiff, decked the stadium green and outsung their French rivals. Injuries to first five-eighth Jonny Sexton, lock Paul O’Connell and blindside Peter O’Mahony may come back to bite Ireland in the coming weeks, while openside Sean O’Brien may face a date with the judiciary after throwing a punch.
“But even without the injured trio they looked a side with purpose and passion in the bank,” wrote Robson.
“Second five-eighth Robbie Henshaw was immense, but it was partly because French centre Mathieu Bastareaud, defending outside Frederic Michalak from set pieces, provided two weak points.”
Next Saturday night should be entertaining.
