New Zealand media cries foul ahead of France game

NEW ZEALAND'S obsession with French rugby shows no signs of abating ahead of the World Cup clash between the two countries this weekend after the Kiwi media complained of a conspiracy theory cooked up by the French to ensure that they get an easier quarter final than the All Blacks.

After France coach Marc Lievremont named an experimental side to face New Zealand he was accused of not wanting to win the game so that his side would come second in the group and thus enjoy an easier route through the knock-out stages.

According to columnist Peter Bills in the New Zealand Herald: "France have devalued the most eagerly awaited World Cup game for four years and blown an enormous raspberry at the IRB."

He says they "have made so many bizarre selections for this weekend that the conspiracy theory is the only logical explanation". Other New Zealand papers criticised the French side's "laid-back attitude" to the game.

The main problem appears to be that Lievremont has picked scrum-half Morgan Parra to play out of position at fly-half, a choice that raised eyebrows amongst observers everywhere, and has selected what looks like a weakened pack. It is claimed he has done so in order to lose the game and ensure that France finish second in their group.

If that happens France are likely to then have an easier run to the final, thanks to Ireland's shock win over Australia in the group stages of the competition. Meanwhile the All Blacks, if they do win the group, will end up in the same half of the draw as Australia and South Africa.

The All Black management team moved quickly to dismiss the claims of a fix. Assistant coach Steve Hansen said: "We'll treat them with the utmost respect as we always do... Who are we to suggest what is their best combination at halfback and first five for this test match?"

The rugby-mad New Zealand public are desperate for the All Blacks to win the tournament for the first time since 1987 and in recent years their rivalry with France has become one of the most enduring in the competition. In 1999 the Kiwis were beaten 43-31 by France in an extraordinary semi-final and in 2007 they were shocked by Les Blues in the quarter final. ·