The World Cup final that the French have been dreaming about turns out to be a quarter final instead. They wanted to believe until the last second Ireland could do something to avoid an All Blacks encounter, but it takes more than relying on others to win a World Cup.

The French squad is now packing up to fly to Cardiff, and all their fans hope the adventure won’t end outside their homeland. Of course, the last two matches between France and the All Blacks bring back terrible memories. (42-11 and 61-10 for New Zealand)…

That said, here are three reasons for hope:

1. These last two test-matches took place in Auckland, and the French squad played without their players from their 4 best clubs, still struggling for the national title.

2. France already faced adversity in this 2007 edition, and count on a comeback after they lost their opening match. New Zealand faced weak opposition in their two ‘hardest’ games - Italy and Scotland saved energy in what were sure losses for them. Both were aiming to finish second in their pool.

3. History! In 1999, France beat the all ready favourite All-Blacks, and nobody expected that. France, best outsider in the world, has always showed their best in adversity.