France To Be A Threat?

By William Taylor

France have always been considered a bit of a threat in World Cups. Arguably they have not done as well as they should have yet, but with the sort of players they have had at their disposal down the years, they are not a side to be sniffed at.

Ever since the tournament began in 1987, those in a France World Cup Shirt have reached the quarter final stage in every tournament, and have even reached the final on two occasions. However, they have never won the tournament, and will be hoping to spring a surprise this year.

They go into the tournament ranked fourth in the world – ahead of former world champions and Six Nations holders, England. Bookmakers even make them the 20/1 fourth favourites for the title.

But the group France have been drawn in, Pool A, could arguably be considered one of the toughest in the competition. They will come up against the word number ones, New Zealand, as well as facing tricky challenges against Tonga and Japan, as well as Canada.

It is a group that they should be expected to qualify from, but if they finish second, it could very well mean they come up against England in the quarter finals. That could prove a stumbling block for them, having lost to the English at Twickenham during the Six Nations.

France begin their World Cup campaign with the Japan game in Auckland on September 10. Eight days later they take on Canada in Napier before the big clash with New Zealand in Auckland on September 24. They wrap up their pool matches with the Tonga game in Wellington on October 1.

The New Zealand game undoubtedly will be the one that decides who wins the group. It looks likely to be a thrilling game, as both sides know how important it is to win the group.