The Quarter final in Cardiff will be a challenge for the French but not only for the French squad but also for their fans. Those expecting a triumphant “XV de France” – top of the second pool - playing at the Stade de France in Paris will now have some travelling to do to support their team.

Thankfully they’ll save on lodging. Cardiff is fairly small, and has only about 30 hotels, which are already booked by All-Blacks’ fans. The tournament is going the way it was expected for them.

French must therefore plan on a round-trip on the same day. The official travelling agency of the French rugby team offers two options for the fan: a 10-hour bus journey leaving Paris on Saturday mourning, somewhat complicated for Paris non-residents. Or a plane chartered for the occasion, which costs…1,200 Euros.

But rugby fans choosing this last option will have a bonus: they’ll get to travel with former international French player Thomas Castaignède. But if France bites the dust, will his presence be enough to make the investment worth it?