French 'bashing' intensifies ahead of final

A France team derided as the "worst" side ever to reach a Rugby World Cup final found itself under fresh attack on Friday, just two days out from the showpiece match against hosts New Zealand.

The New Zealand Herald devoted the front page of its sports section to two articles, one entitled 'A History of Gallic Brutality' highlighting several examples of French foul play dating back to the 1960s, and the other 'Beware the filth of the French', a column by former All Blacks captain Wayne 'Buck' Shelford. In 1986, Shelford played for New Zealand in the notorious 'Battle of Nantes', a brutal encounter where he suffered a torn scrotum in a match France won 16-3.

Even though rugby union is now a professional sport, with extensive television coverage, Shelford suggested France, who scraped through to Sunday's Eden Park final after a 9-8 semi-final win over Wales, might resort to desperation tactics.

"Beware French skulduggery - that's my warning to the All Blacks for the Rugby World Cup final," said Shelford, who played for New Zealand in their win over France in the inaugural 1987 final.

"France are on a face-saving mission in this final and desperate times bring out desperate measures," added Shelford of a team that in 1999 and 2007 knocked New Zealand out of the World Cup.

"The fact is, they have resorted to some filth in past World Cups, including eye gouging, and there were cameras around then. They certainly did it in 1999, and there was probably a bit going on in 2007 as well.

"I'm not saying this will definitely happen, but if it does, the All Blacks will need to sort it out right away because the referee will not always be able to see what's going on," added Shelford.

Some might see Shelford's comments as an attempt to put pressure on South Africa's Craig Joubert, who will be in charge of Sunday's match. AFP