The New Zealand All Blacks face their real test in the Rugby World Cup this weekend when they take on old nemesis France at Eden Park in Auckland.
The Pool A match, scheduled for an 8.30pm kick-off on Saturday, was the first match of the RWC to be a sellout about a month ago.
The match has drawn much attention as it was France who were responsible for the All Blacks’ early demise from the past two World Cup campaigns.
Since the 2011 World Cup started in New Zealand on Friday Sept 9, the All Blacks first disposed off Tonga 41-10 in the opener, and later demolished Japan 83-7 last Friday.
France outclassed Japan 47-21 in their first match and on Sunday beat Canada 46-19 as World Cup intensity builds up around the country.
Meanwhile, commentators are predicting a Northern Hemisphere-Southern Hemisphere final of the World Cup following Australia’s shock 15-6 loss to Ireland at Eden Park on Saturday.
A gallant Ireland held their own against Robbie Deans’ Australia, effectively turning the World Cup on its head.
Australia, widely expected to win their pool, may have to settle for runner-up spot. They play USA in Wellington on Friday, while Ireland will take on Russia in Rotorua on Sunday.
In other games at the weekend, reigning champions South Africa shot down a feeble Fiji side 49-3, Wales squeaked past a rampaging Samoa side 17-10, and England downed Georgia 41-10.
South Africa on Thursday face Namibia, Fiji face Samoa on Sunday and England face Romania on Saturday.
Here’s what’s on this week:
Tues Sept 20, 19.30 - C - Italy v Russia Nelson Trafalgar Park
Wed Sept 21, 19.30 - A - Tonga v Japan Whangarei Northland Events Centre
Thurs Sept 22, 20.00 - D - South Africa v Namibia Auckland North Harbour Stadium
Fri Sept 23, 20.30 - C - Australia v USA Wellington Wellington Regional Stadium
Sat Sept 24, 18.00 - B - England v Romania Dunedin Otago Stadium
Sat Sept 24, 20.30 - A - New Zealand v France Auckland Eden Park
Sun Sept 25, 15.30 - D - Fiji v Samoa Auckland Eden Park
Sun Sept 25, 18.00 - C - Ireland v Russia Rotorua Rotorua International Stadium
Sun Sept 25, 20.30 - B - Argentina v Scotland Wellington Wellington Regional Stadium