France vs NZ match thread

by Taylorman Fri 23 Sep 2011, 7:01 pm

First topic message reminder :

Some key stats for the match...some very interesting reading with some of this...
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/5674519/Key-stats-ahead-of-France-v-All-Blacks-match
Teams have been posted earlier so I wont repeat them here...

Key facts and figures for the Rugby World Cup 2011 Pool A match between New Zealand and France at, Eden Park tomorrow.

Pool scenario

- If France win this match, they are guaranteed a place in the quarter-finals of Rugby World Cup 2011.

- New Zealand would also almost certainly go through with a victory here and in that case could only be stopped by Canada taking maximum points (including bonus points) in their last two pool matches against Japan and the All Blacks.

- Canada would also have to ensure victory over New Zealand by more than seven points and keep the All Blacks from scoring four tries.

Head-to-head

- This is the 50th Test match between New Zealand and France. New Zealand have won 36, France have won 12 and there has been one draw.

- It is their fifth meeting at the Rugby World Cup, which will make this one of the most common RWC match-ups, equal to New Zealand v Italy, New Zealand v Scotland, England v Australia and Australia v Ireland.- France and New Zealand play each other at the fourth successive Rugby World Cup. The only other fixture to take place at four RWC tournaments in a row is New Zealand v Scotland at the first four Rugby World Cups.

- France and New Zealand have won two matches each against each other at Rugby World Cups but France have won both of the fixtures played before the finals weekend. The All Blacks have beaten France in the 1987 final and the 2003 bronze final.

- France have won four of the 23 matches between the two played in New Zealand. Only Australia (17), South Africa (nine) and the British (& Irish) Lions (6) have won more times in New Zealand than the French but all three have played at least 15 matches more here.

- France have won two of the last three Tests between the two which have been played outside France, winning the Rugby World Cup 2007 quarter-final 20-18 in Cardiff and the 2009 Test in Dunedin 27-22.

- However, New Zealand have won the last two Tests between the two, in Wellington (14-10) and Marseille (39-12).

- France's win in Dunedin in 2009 was the first match in which they were captained by Thierry Dusautoir.

- Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu and Richie McCaw will all play their 10th Test against France, joining 10 other players from SANZAR nations to have done this, a list led by Sean Fitzpatrick (NZL) and John Kirwan (NZL) with 12.

- Mealamu and McCaw can both achieve their ninth victory against France, one short of the record of 10 by a SANZAR player, set by Gary Whetton (NZL) between 1981 and 1990.

- Dan Carter has scored 106 Test points against France and needs 21 more to break the record by a SANZAR player; 126 by Michael Lynagh (AUS).

- Ma'a Nonu has scored four of his Test tries against France, the joint fourth most by an All Black.

- Damien Traille will join 10 other France players who have played against the All Blacks on at least 10 occasions. Traille has been on the winning side twice against New Zealand, two short of the France record of four.

Ad Feedback - France were the last team to beat New Zealand at Eden Park, doing so in 1994.

- France and New Zealand share the Rugby World Cup record of most semi-final appearances (five).

New Zealand

- Ranked No.1 on the IRB World Rankings
- New Zealand are the only team to have won all of their Rugby World Cup pool matches (22).

- New Zealand are the only team at RWC 2011 who have not trailed at any point in their tournament matches so far.

- New Zealand are the highest-scoring team in Rugby World Cup history, having scored 1,752 points in their 37 matches, an average of 47.4 points per game.

- New Zealand have scored 238 Rugby World Cup tries, 81 more than second-placed Australia.

- New Zealand have scored at least one try in their past 91 Tests and in 97 of the 98 Tests coached by Graham Henry.

- Graham Henry's 84.7 per cent winning record coaching New Zealand is the best for any coach of a major nation in the professional era. His predecessor John Mitchell's record of 82.1 per cent is the only other above 80 per cent.

- New Zealand have lost to only South Africa, Australia and France during Henry's reign and have a winning record against all three.

- New Zealand have won their last 12 Test matches at home, a winning streak that goes back more than two years, since South Africa beat them 32-29 in Hamilton on 12 September 2009.

- Under Graham Henry, New Zealand have lost only three home Test matches, against South Africa (twice) and France.

- Graham Henry coaches a team in a Rugby World Cup match for the 12th time, breaking the record for the most by a New Zealander and the joint second most by anyone. Only Bernard Laporte (FRA) has coached in more RWC matches (14).

France

- Ranked No.5 on the IRB World Rankings, having dropped a place since the beginning of the Rugby World Cup.

- France are one of only three teams to have lost fewer than two Rugby World Cup pool matches. Opponents New Zealand have lost none; South Africa and France have lost one each.

- For the third time in RWC history a French campaign is being led by a head coach who is a former French RWC player, following the 1991 campaign under Daniel Dubroca (FRA) and their 1995 tournament under Pierre Berbizier (FRA).

The venue

- Eden Park hosted five matches during Rugby World Cup 1987, with New Zealand and France winning two matches each and Romania one.

- New Zealand have played three Rugby World Cup matches at Eden Park, two at RWC 1987 and one at RWC 2011, winning by a minimum of 20 points each time. Their closest match there was the 29-9 victory against France in the final of Rugby World Cup 1987.

- Eden Park will host 11 matches at RWC 2011, two Pool A matches, one match in each of the other three pools and then two quarter-finals, both semi-finals, the bronze final and the final. Its total of 16 RWC matches will be a record, surpassing Murrayfield's mark of 13.

- The All Blacks have won their last 23 Tests at Eden Park since an 18-18 draw against South Africa in August 1994.

- France are the last team to beat New Zealand at Eden Park, in July 1994. That match is also New Zealand's only defeat at Eden Park in the past 25 years, since Australia won there in September 1986.

- The All Blacks have collected 21 wins from as many attempts at Eden Park in the professional era (1996-2011).

- If New Zealand reach the semi-finals they are guaranteed to play five matches at Eden Park, which will equal Scotland's record of playing five matches at Murrayfield at Rugby World Cups 1991 and 1999.

The line-ups

- New Zealand have made four changes from the team that beat Japan 83-7 last weekend.

- Captain Richie McCaw returns from injury and will win his 100th cap and is the only player change in the pack. Adam Thomson switches back to number 8 to accommodate McCaw and Victor Vito drops out of the 22.

- Andy Ellis and Colin Slade are replaced by Piri Weepu and Dan Carter while Israel Dagg is also back from injury at full back in place of Isaia Toeava.

- McCaw will be the first All Black to reach a century of caps and the 19th from all rugby playing countries. McCaw is one of three players at Rugby World Cup 2011 who can win their 100th cap during the tournament. Teammate Mils Muliaina and Australia's Nathan Sharpe with 98 and 96 caps respectively are the others.

- The All Black XV for Saturday's match is full of experience, boasting 727 caps among them. There have been only three more experienced All Blacks teams, in the two Tri Nations matches against Australia last month and the 2010 Bledisloe Cup match in Hong Kong.

- New Zealand's most experienced line-up, which beat Australia 30-14 at Eden Park last month, had only 39 caps more than the XV selected to play France on Saturday.

- Three of the team - Tony Woodcock, McCaw and Carter - also started the Rugby World Cup 2007 quarter-final match against France. Andrew Hore and Ali Williams, who have been named among the replacements for this weekend's match, also played in that match.

- France have selected an experienced starting XV with 634 caps. Since Rugby World Cup 2007, they have played only one match with a XV with more caps. That was in March when a team with 646 caps in the starting XV lost to Italy in the Six Nations championship.

- France coach Marc Lièvremont has made five player changes and two positional changes to the team that beat Canada 46-19 last Sunday.

- Hooker Dmitri Szarzewski makes his Rugby World Cup 2011 debut in place of William Servat, Lionel Nallet and Thierry Dusautoir return in place of Romain Millo-Chluski and Fulgence Ouedraogo.

- In the backs, Trinh-Duc and centre David Marty drop out of the XV with their places being taken by players switching positions: Parra to fly half and Aurélien Rougerie moving back to outside centre. Dimitri Yachvili and Maxime Médard are selected at scrum half and left wing respectively.

- Morgan Parra makes his first start for France at fly half, having played parts of the matches against Japan and Canada in that position.

- Parra will become the second player ever to start Rugby World Cup matches at both scrum half and fly half after Taniela Moa became the first last week. The Tongan started at scrum half in the 41-10 defeat by the All Blacks and switched to fly half for the 25-20 defeat by Canada.

- Parra will be the sixth player to start for France at both scrum half and fly half but only the third post-war player to have played in both positions in the French team.

- The most recent was Frédéric Michalak with three of his first four starts for France at scrum half before he reverted to his more familar position in the French team. Jean-Louis Berot, who won 21 caps for France between 1968 and 1974, is the other post-war player to start in both positions. His first four starts for France were at scrum half, after which he moved to the No 10 position for his other 17 caps.

- Eight of France's 22 on Saturday played some part in the 20-18 victory over the All Blacks at Rugby World Cup 2007. They are Szarzewski, Poux, Bonnaire, Dusautoir, Harinordoquy, Heymans, Clerc and Traille. Dusautoir scored France's first try in the match.

The referee

- Alain Rolland (IRE) has been named as the referee for a record 12th Rugby World Cup match. He will be equalled by Jonathan Kaplan, who will referee his 12th RWC match next Tuesday when Canada take

by kiakahaaotearoa Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:13 am

Right idea there but well forward. Those changes of direction look to be opening up France.

by **Notch** Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:14 am

Can't believe how superior New Zealand are at the breakdown. It's men versus boys at that area. How up for it are France?

by Guest Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:14 am

They did this last week didn't they? Took Jane off really early for SBW. I remember it as I had Jane in my dreamteam, so was naturally furious.

by eirebilly Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:15 am

Well he made a meal of that

by Guest Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:15 am

stupid by Kaino, stupid. Yachvilli did milk it a bit but completely unnecessary.

by **Notch** Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:15 am

Hmm, elbow in the face- just a warning. Kaino quite lucky there.

by **rodders** Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:15 am

Reverse close line from Kaino. That should be a 6 week ban Whistle

by Cowshot Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:15 am

Not above the dirty stuff when it suits...

by Guest Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:16 am

great kick Yachvilli/ 3-19. THey needed them.

by Cari Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:16 am

Apparently Corey Jane is feeling poorly hence he was taken off. He's not injured...just hungover Wink

by doctor_grey Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:16 am

after the first 6 or 7 minutes, things have really changed for the black.
top shelf rubgy.
legit penalty, bad acting.

by Guest Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:16 am

does anyone know why jane got took off so early?

by kiakahaaotearoa Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:16 am

Very messy by Weepu there. Dramatic fall from the French player there. Silly by Kaino but milked by France. Great acting though.

Jane is a bit unwell apparently but if that´s the case why does he start? If he can´t play because he´s crook then don´t put him on. I don´t buy it.

by doctor_grey Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:17 am

points are well deserved, must admit.

by eirebilly Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:17 am

Its already too much for France to do

by Cari Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:17 am

cricketfan90 wrote:does anyone know why jane got took off so early?

Not feeling well apparently.

by Guest Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:17 am

ah right ok thanks

by Cari Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:18 am

HT 19 - 3.

by eirebilly Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:18 am

McCaw ping for holding on..... Well i never. Wink

by **rodders** Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:18 am

Thats more like it from France! Allez les bleus! Leprechaun

by Guest Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:18 am

for the 2nd half France need to: compete the breakdown better, improve their first up tackling. Both are killing them at the moment.

by **Biltong** Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:18 am

Cari wrote:
cricketfan90 wrote:does anyone know why jane got took off so early?

Not feeling well apparently.

the commentators mentioned a knock to the head.

by Cowshot Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:19 am

points are well deserved, must admit.

Well, as a doctor I'd expect you to be biased in favour of a clinical performance. Whistle

by kiakahaaotearoa Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:21 am

Finally a grubber that comes off. France are happy to get to the shed to try to regroup. NZ held the early pressure and then were clinical in their reply when they finally got some ball.

No drop goals from France now. They need to find a way to get back into this match. The half time break couldn´t come soon enough. Let´s hope they come out in the second half like they did in the first half.

This is a big French pack and they are getting bullied all over the park. McCaw seems to be playing well for his 100th game.

by **rodders** Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:22 am

This is all a rouse by France, I think they'll come out and put 30 points on the AB's here..... Run

by Cari Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:24 am

Billtong - that's interesting - our commentators said Jane was unwell before he came out, and just couldn't carry on.

by **Biltong** Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:24 am

The secret for the all blacks has been that they give a second attempt to disrupt the breakdown, If they don't succeed stealing the ball, they pull back, asses the weakness and then go for the attempted push over and disrupting the french ball, frnace need to get the ball out immediately, instead of yachville calling for players.

by **Biltong** Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:26 am

Cari wrote:Billtong - that's interesting - our commentators said Jane was unwell before he came out, and just couldn't carry on.

Cari it was a bit confusing they started by saying hand, then they said hamstring and then they ended on a headknock, so I am not too sure myself. Headscratch

by kiakahaaotearoa Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:28 am

No one wants to tackle Nonu and like the Jane try that can be exploited. That Medard effort on Jane was hilariously poor.

France also need their backs to come in and help at the breakdown. Like you say Biltong, the ABs have numbers and are assessing the situation well. France need to commit more players and more urgency when they have the ball. The backs in particular are just being bullied off the ball.

by Taylorman Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:28 am

Not enough points with that french bench.
Now we get to that point. First 15 minutes second half where nothing happened on our exits.
Lets see what happens first 15mins

by doctor_grey Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:28 am

biltongbek wrote:The secret for the all blacks has been that they give a second attempt to disrupt the breakdown, If they don't succeed stealing the ball, they pull back, asses the weakness and then go for the attempted push over and disrupting the french ball, frnace need to get the ball out immediately, instead of yachville calling for players.

I quite agree. And I would have expected this French back row to front up more at the breakdown.

by **rodders** Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:30 am

Yeah they are brilliant at that Billtong. They always seem to know when to commit to the breakdown or not.

McCaw is having a cracker but I think a lot if it is down to the French dropping their intensity after conceding those tries. They are very slow to the breakdown and just lacking commitment and physicality.

If France can get a try they'll be a different side I think.

by alcoombe Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:30 am

eirebilly wrote:Its already too much for France to do

Not necessarily, they went form losing 10-24 to 43-31 in 1999. Unless they put a hell of a lot more conviction into their defence though, I can't see that sort of turnaround this time. Or maybe they're just lulling NZ into a false sense of safety, waiting for them to lose focus with a load of subs.

by Cari Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:31 am

Jebus! Good start by the ABs already!

Dagg is in!!!

by **rodders** Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:31 am

Amazing from the AB's! Great offload from SBW.

by lostinwales Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:32 am

Lovely yes but was that offload forward?

by **Biltong** Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:33 am

That is pathetic defence by france, England must be smiling, they have big backs as well.

by Cari Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:33 am

Sonny doing a forward pass? Never! Whistle

26 - 3.

by Standulstermen Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:33 am

In the physical stakes this is embarrassing. I have to say if i was Damien Trailles size i would be looking for a hole to climb into. How weak is he in contact? Surely Heymans is a better option?

by kiakahaaotearoa Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:34 am

Woeful defence from France. Come on sort your defence out or you will get hammered. BELIEVE!!

by Cari Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:34 am

I wonder if the French defence coach will have a job after this...

by **rodders** Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:35 am

There's just so much pace, skill and power in the ABs backline. If you can't dominate them up front to slow down and restrict their possession then you are fecked.

Irelands spoiling tactics would sort them out Whistle

by **Biltong** Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:35 am

France doesn't want to win this match.

by Standulstermen Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:36 am

biltongbek wrote:France doesn't want to win this match.

If thats the case they arent being too subtle about it

by **Biltong** Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:37 am

I am sorry, but this is not a contest.

France is being out tackled, out scrummed, out ran, out breakdowned, they are just out.

by Cari Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:37 am

Good penalty from Carter.

29 - 3.

by **rodders** Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:37 am

biltongbek wrote:That is pathetic defence by france, England must be smiling, they have big backs as well.

I don't think so. If I was facing France in the QF I'd be worried. It would just like France to get smashed here and then come out on fire in the QF. Remember Argentina beasted them in 2007 and then they beat the ABs in the QF.

by kiakahaaotearoa Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:38 am

French pack is not there mentally. They are being humiliated out there. France is losing in all facets of play. They are disappointingly poor. England will be licking their lips with this display. Maybe that´s what France wants...

by **Biltong** Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:38 am

Standulstermen wrote:
biltongbek wrote:France doesn't want to win this match.

If thats the case they arent being too subtle about it

by Guest Sat 24 Sep 2011, 10:38 am

France are being so typically, well, French in this match. How can they just go from sublime in the first 10 mins to this? crazy.

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