New Zealand head coach Graham Henry says his side will not underestimate France when they meet in the World Cup final next Sunday.
The All Blacks are 1/9 with bookmaker to win the tournament on home soil, but Henry is well aware that Les Bleus are capable of upping their game – as they have done in the past against New Zealand.
France triumphed 20-18 in a tense quarter-final in the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff in 2007, while eight years earlier the northern hemisphere side were 43-31 winners at Twickenham in a lively semi-final.
“We don’t underestimate them,” said Henry. “Although France didn’t play particularly well in their semi-final, we know they’ve got the ability to play outstanding rugby.
“They will play well in the final and we’ve got to make sure we do the business. France can be the best in the world on their day.”