The real World Cup final is still to come. Photo / Steven McNicholl
French supporters are reminding New Zealanders that the real Rugby World Cup final is still to come, and as underdogs Les Bleus have nothing to lose.
Kiwis celebrated as if they had won the tournament after knocking out the Wallabies, knowing that only an erratic French team stood in the way of winning the Webb Ellis Cup.
Rugby commentators and bookmakers have mostly written the Tricolores off, saying they are not only an inferior side but they no longer play with panache.
French Ambassador to New Zealand Francis Etienne admitted that his team's route to the final was "hectic" and sometimes ugly.
But, he said, the French side lived for occasions like this: "The French are playing as if something big is at stake, and this week they can't face something bigger."
His voice creaking from overuse, Mr Etienne said it will be the last international test for half the team, and with that emotional incentive, Les Bleus could produce a shock result.
The French side had a recovery session yesterday morning, before leaving Auckland for an afternoon off. The players will also have today free, before returning to training tomorrow.
French fans have written to the Herald in droves, saying that New Zealand was not giving Marc Lievremont's side or the occasion of the final due respect.
Restaurant owner and keen rugby fan Alex Roux said if the All Blacks felt they had already played their hardest match, they could be tripped up by the French, who were approaching the occasion with complete seriousness.
"This is the game of their lives. If the All Blacks don't treat it the same way I think they will lose."
Mr Roux, from Toulouse, said it was a "dream final" for a Frenchman living in Auckland.
On Saturday, he prepared dinner service at his downtown restaurant Pastis before rushing to Eden Park, then back again to close the restaurant and have a celebratory glass of wine.
His eatery has hosted the players and their families during the World Cup, and, at one point, All Black coach Graham Henry.
"[Henry] popped in to say good luck. I said the same. It was a full bar at the time, lots of people, so this was a nice thing to do."
Should France do the unthinkable, Mr Roux said he will not sleep for 48 hours, and he may close the restaurant to celebrate.
And if France lose? "The same."
By Isaac Davison
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