19 Sep 2011

France rejects easy ride claim against All Blacks

7:31 pm on 19 September 2011

France have rejected suggestions they would do anything but strive to win their Rugby World Cup match against the All Blacks on Saturday, despite having less incentive to top their pool.

Ireland's upset 15-6 victory over Australia on Saturday has thrown the draw wide open and a loss for France against the All Blacks at Eden Park would potentially mean an easier path in knockout rounds against northern hemisphere opponents.

Victory, however, would likely mean an eventual semi-final against world No 2 Australia or defending champs South Africa, Reuters reports.

France is equal with the All Blacks on 10 points in Pool A after two bonus point victories.

"Are we saying that we should lose to the All Blacks on purpose?" coach Marc Lievremont quizzed a French reporter after the 46-19 win over Canada on Sunday.

"If we lose it might be easier, but the All Blacks might have the same assessment as us and may want to lose," he continued tersely.

"So for the matches ahead against the All Blacks and Tonga I don't think we will start these games thinking we want to lose - that's certainly not an option, even if it's easier.

"We have had a surprise with Ireland, there may be other surprises, too. But I don't think it is in the spirit of rugby to start a match thinking we are going to lose."

Lievremont's side head into their All Blacks clash after two patchy wins against Japan and Canada.

All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith was asked by a French journalist whether France may not want to win so they finish second.

"Who they have got to play after that - Tonga. I don't think you want to go into that last match having to win, it put extra pressure on.

"I can't talk for the French. I'm certain that they'll want to knock us over; psychologically it's important for the team and we want to do the same."

Meanwhile, All Blacks Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Mils Muliaina and Israel Dagg trained on Monday after missing the walkover match against Japan on Friday.

Smith says Carter resumed kicking which is a good sign after problems with his back. No 8 Kieran Read is also back running and on track for the match against Canada on 2 October.