All Blacks won't take WC win for granted

Julian Guyer

As pundits from all corners of planet rugby continued to forecast a New Zealand victory against France in the World Cup final here on Sunday, the All Blacks themselves remained cautious.

Having watched the way France only just did enough to defeat 14-man Wales 9-8 in their semi-final, a performance in marked contrast to the rampaging All Blacks' 20-6 win over Australia in their last four clash, many observers now believe the outcome of Sunday's final here at Eden Park is a foregone conclusion.

Even more than that they are convinced a French victory, at least if achieved in the way they beat Wales, would be something akin to a disaster for rugby.

"Once upon a time, 17 years ago, France came to Eden Park and defeated New Zealand with a 'try from the end of the earth'. Sadly, that grand tradition has been defiled," wrote the Sydney Morning Herald's Mike Robinson. Former England fly-half turned broadcaster and columnist Stuart Barnes said: "This is no time for neutrality. The sport needs a New Zealand victory. Forget the Francophile leanings and the great wines of Burgundy and Bordeaux. The game needs to see that the flair of Israel Dagg and Corey Jane and the willingness to play rugby with ambition and not self-imposed limitations, is the winning way."

But All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith, who having been a member of the backroom staff when France dumped New Zealand out of the 2007 quarter-finals in an upset win, was understandably more wary.

"They have a history of making life difficult for us at Rugby World Cups," Smith said Tuesday.

The former All Blacks fly-half and head coach confirmed Sunday's match would be his last as part of the current management set-up before he takes over at Super 15 side the Waikato Chiefs. AFP