Modest Les Bleus play down chances against All Blacks

LONDON — France’s players are well aware that history will not automatically repeat itself just because they are playing New Zealand, a team against whom they have enjoyed two of their most famous Rugby World Cup victories.

No thanks to their 9-24 loss to Ireland on Sunday, Philippe Saint-Andre’s side missed out on top spot in Pool D and must now defeat the holders at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday if they are to maintain their progress in the competition.

However, Les Bleus have been New Zealand’s bogey team in the World Cup. Out of six encounters in five RWCs, they have won twice.

Eight years ago, they met at the same venue, with New Zealand the overwhelming favourites. However, France defied the odds to record a 20-18 victory and avoided being knocked out of their own World Cup on foreign soil.

Even more memorable was their triumph in the 1999 semi-final when they recovered from trailing 10-24 to win 43-31.

And it was just four years ago at the 2011 RWC final when the French had the whole of New Zealand nerve-wracked before the All Blacks held on for their 8-7 win.

But despite their decent track record against the defending champions, France are approaching this Saturday’s quarter-final clash with caution. “Here there are no easy teams in the quarter-final in this stadium,” said centre Mathieu Bastareaud. “We have not chosen the easiest path. It’s a big match.

“We will try to recover and get back in shape and look at what didn’t work. A big defeat is not what you want before facing the world champions.”

France wing Brice Dulin added: “We will analyse the video of the Ireland match and decide what we must work on. We didn’t find a way of controlling Ireland or gaining enough territory; we have to find that way again absolutely if we want to beat the All Blacks.”

Despite their modesty, France are guided by a man who knows what it takes to beat New Zealand. Saint-Andre captained France to a 2-0 series win back in 1994. The tourists’ second victory was the last time New Zealand lost at Eden Park and featured the “try from the end of the earth”, a length-of-the-field effort that Saint-Andre initiated.

“The history of the World Cup shows that everything’s possible,” said the coach. “As a Frenchman, it’s never good to be the favourite. We’ll have to produce our very best form. For several players, it will be the game of their lives.” RUGBY WORLD CUP

France’s form against New Zealand at the Rugby World Cup:

1987 - lost 9-29 (Final)

1999 - won 43-31 (semi-final)

2003 - lost 13-40 (third-fourth play-offs)

2007 - won 20-18 (quarter-finals)

2011 - lost 17-37 (group stage); lost 7-8 (final)