All Blacks setting the standard

PRIOR to Saturday’s clash of France and New Zealand I met a number of former French internationals invited to the stadium to celebrate the inaugural game between these two great countries 100 years ago.

Despite the hammering the French suffered the previous week, it was interesting to note how many people expressed a belief this game could be a dress rehearsal for the World Cup final next October.

While there were concerns over the form of their side, the feeling was that with a full summer to prepare, the French will still have a major say in the destination of next year’s trophy.