Which wins the night tomorrow? Pragmatism or passion? The All Blacks or France?

This rugby clash of cultures, styles and mindsets should offer the best indication yet of how this Rugby World Cup might play out in weeks to come.

Two days after the French unveiled a lineup featuring an outrageous experiment in the halves, but otherwise full of promise, the All Blacks followed suit yesterday with their strongest possible 15s.

In fact there’s a school of thought that it might just be preferable to lose, and be thrown into a “northern” bracket that includes England in a quarterfinal and maybe Wales or Ireland in a semifinal.

South Africa or Australia lie in the path of the winner.

The All Blacks have made it clear they would “swing from the highest tree” in the land should they ever contemplate anything but their greatest of efforts.

The French may well promise their passion, and the All Blacks may talk more about purpose and precision.

But deep down this is a game the All Blacks will know they must win.

France got 642 caps in their starting 15, so it looks like a very strong side.

History shows the challenge.

This French team will be very difficult to beat.

They're a big, physical, mature pack, and they've got some outstanding backs.
 
The All Blacks and France game kicks off at 8.30pm tomorrow night.


Story by: Dreu Vukailagi