There is a nice story between the two countries. We get along well and there is a lot of respect. We play a bit the same rugby with flair. We like to play standing. And then there’s a story from the first World Cup where the two countries met in the final. There was also incredible semifinal of 1999. In 2007, there was this unfortunate story for us ( laughter ). And in 2011 … Who would have thought that France would be in the final? But we know that France is always an achievement. Currently the collective performance of the Blues are not very good, but they are able to meet this quarter-final.
In 2007, the All Blacks were the favorites for the Cup world. What remains of the defeat to France?
We can say that there is a scar, yeah. The Millennium Stadium in Cardiff is a beautiful place, it was a game that everyone wanted to play. The team we had was maybe the best in the history of All Blacks. They had not lost a game for four years, one arrives in the quarterfinals against France and goodbye!
The All Blacks 2015 they are not a too young to be afraid of the ghost of 2007?
The context is different. There are still some players on the team who experienced defeat in Cardiff, but it’s a different team. And above all, I think the All Blacks were malignant from the start of the World Cup. They do not give their best in preserving themselves for the big game. And the big match, it will be this Saturday against France. I think there is a very good balance among the All Blacks with experienced players that frame younger. The elders have passed the message of France, that’s for sure. And then Steve Hansen (the coach) is not at its first World Cup. I think we’ll see other All Blacks.
Exactly, what did you think of their journey since the start of the World Cup?
> I think they are saved. Of course, there was Argentina, which is a good team. But the Argentines seek primarily to break the rhythm and keep you playing. But when the All Blacks play at their level … Then there was Namibia and Georgia, which are not the best teams in the world, without wanting to disrespect them. It’s hard to get motivated. Faced with such opponents, it did the job. In Tonga, had to answer the physical challenge. But I think we have not yet seen the All Blacks in the World Cup.
This is a generation that goes, we can say that. But the old ones are still performing and I’m sure they can still play three straight games (laughs). Dan Carter hand, but there Beauden Barrett, who may replace without problems. Ma’a Nonu is aging, but behind there is Sonny Bill Williams. I do not know why, but New Zealand still has the ability to find good players. It’s a bit sad to see Richie McCaw stop, but he did remains extraordinary.
If old All Blacks can still play three straight games, it means that they will beat France on Saturday.
( Laughs ) Yes … Let’s see … My experience allows me to say that you should never underestimate the team of France. The French can be catastrophic and the following week, against the best, go out a great performance. You never know with them. But we are smart and we now know what to expect with France. But it’s a quarter-final World Cup. This is a situation of KO and no matter how you gonna win the game, you just win. I see still the All Blacks to a big performance. Unfortunately for France who adopted me. Saturday, I have a little ass between two stools ( laughter ). “
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