Will New Zealand thrash France? Don’t count on it

WHO IN their right mind would bet against New Zealand winning the Rugby World Cup final this Sunday? The imperious All Blacks, unbeaten in Auckland since 1994 and undefeated in the tournament, take on France, who staggered to the final despite losing two of their pool games and failing to score a try against the 14 men of Wales in the semi-final.
The odds tell their own story. Some bookies have New Zealand as 10/1 on to win the William Webb Ellis trophy for the first time in 24 years, while France are available at 8/1, pretty good odds in a two-horse race.

But there are no sure things in sport and if there is one team that gives the Kiwis collywobbles it is France. Les Blues have a history of beating New Zealand in World Cups, and the last team to beat the All Blacks in Auckland was, you guessed it, France.

If the French were to pull off a shock win, it would rank alongside these great sporting upsets:

Buster Douglas beats Mike Tyson, 1990
No one gave the journeyman Buster Douglas a prayer when the undefeated and undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, Mike Tyson, lined up another quick kill in 1990. But Douglas gave as good as he got in the opening rounds and was ahead on points when Tyson knocked him to the floor in the eighth. Douglas survived and it was Tyson who was left sprawling on the canvas in the 10th round, fumbling for his mouthguard, as Douglas stunned the world.

Greece win Euro 2004
Greece were never expected to get beyond the group stages at Euro 2004, let alone win the tournament. Their team had no stars but under the guidance of coach Otto Rehhagel they proved that teamwork can make up for a lack of flair. They beat hosts Portugal in the opening game of the tournament and after making it to the knockout stages they scraped past France and the Czech Republic to book a place in the final. Playing Portugal once again, the Greeks won 1-0 thanks to a header from Angelos Charisteas, and the 150/1 outsiders were crowned the kings of Europe.

Foinavon wins the Grand National
The Irish jumper was a 100/1 shot for the 1967 Grand National and his owner Cyril Watkins didn't even bother turning up to watch. Things were going as expected, with Foinavon labouring at the back of the field, until a monumental pile up at the 23rd fence effectively stopped the race. Foinavon was so ·