How did France make the final?

It’s the question being asked, but not really answered by rugby fans throughout New Zealand and the world.

Thumped by the All Blacks, humbled by Tonga, only a point better than a 14 men Wales and seemingly racked by internal bickering, they have defied logic and form.

The truth is, coach Marc Lievremont’s side possesses some crucial traits that allow them to prevail over the best sides in the world.

France is in many ways the most disciplined team.

There has been nothing notable about their penalty count of nine per match.

They have given up fewer penalties in their own half which is one per test and in their own 22 is 0.3 than any other side at the tournament, and also the least number at the ruck.

Injured All Blacks first five Dan Carter singled out the loose trio yesterday when quizzed on France’s strengths, but also made the less obvious observation that they share many of the home team's traits.

Carter said that the French have a fantastic scrum and there are a lot of areas of strength that are similar to the All Blacks.

The All Blacks will play France on Sunday at 9pm in the RWC final and you can catch the live commentary on our sister station Viti-FM with Malakai Veisamasama and Ilivasi Tabua.

At 7.30pm this evening, the Wallabies play Wales in the bronze playoff.


Story by: Dreu Vukailagi