The All Blacks' victory against Australia last weekend
Allez Les Bleus.
Just kidding. But, let’s be honest – France are going to need all the help they can get to even be competitive come Sunday night’s Rugby World Cup final against the All Blacks.
In fact, I’m so confident our boys are going to bring the Webb Ellis Trophy back to these shores for the first time since 1987, that I’ll eat these words – literally, eat them – if they lose the final.
On that confident note, here are 20 reasons why the All Blacks will banish the French to second place.
1 The All Blacks have already beaten them once in this tournament.
2 Correction – the All Blacks have already flogged them once in this tournament.
3 In pool play, France lost to Tonga ... Tonga!
4 In pool play, France struggled against Japan ... Japan!
5 All Blacks fullback Israel Dagg – what speed, what a step, what a pass. In the words of veteran New Zealand commentator Keith Quinn: “Oh ... oh ...”
6 Unlike England, our boys seem to be able to go out drinking and smoking yet still put in top-shelf performances on the field. Yo Cory, Israel – it’s my round, fellas!
7 Given we beat the French in the final of the only other Rugby World Cup we’ve hosted, it’s starting to get a ring of destiny about it.
8 France spent more than an hour playing against 14 men last Saturday – and didn’t look close to scoring a try.
9 Just three penalties to show for 60 minutes against 14 men? You gotta’ be kidding.
10 Three of the semi-finalists – the All Blacks, Australia and Wales – were coached by New Zealanders. Surely one of them has to be ultimately victorious. Surely.
11 Home ground advantage – the All Blacks will be cheered on by a hugely supportive crowd at Auckland’s Eden Park. That’s going to count for a lot.
12 The All Blacks’ back three.
13 The All Blacks’ middle and inside backs.
14 The All Blacks’ loose forward trio.
15 The All Blacks’ tight five.
16 The three wise men – Ted, Shag and Smithy.
17 Renowned English rugby writer and famous Kiwi baiter Stephen Jones said so.
18 France have never won a Rugby World Cup – they’re not going to start now.
19 We’ve been upset twice by France in Rugby World Cups. Surely not a third time.
20 Surely not.
Your say
There are no comments on this article.
Have your say
You will need to register or login before you can post a comment.
