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The All Blacks have advanced to the semi-final of the 2015 Rugby World Cup with a crushing defeat against France at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
From the opening minutes it was a complete masterclass from New Zealand, as acts of brilliance all across the park saw them hold a convincing 29-13 lead at half time.
However, the acts of brilliance from the first half would only be eclipsed in the second as the reigning World Cup champions piled on five more tries to finish with nine for the match.
The 49-point margin has smashed the record for the biggest win in a quarter-final at a World Cup, with the previous mark being set at 25 points by South Africa in their 1995 win against Samoa.
A score of 62 points also breaks the record for the highest score by a winning team in a World Cup quarter-final.
Julian Savea was man of the match off the back of his three tries.
New Zealand will now face South Africa in the semi-final, after the Springboks moved past Wales in the morning’s other quarter-final.
Final Score:
All Blacks 62
France 13
It’s a replay of the 2011 final as the All Blacks take on France at the site of New Zealand’s most spectacular and controversial Rugby World Cup collapse. Will history repeat itself in Cardiff? Join The Roar for live scores and coverage of the fourth quarter-final from 6:00am (AEDT).
Since making the final in 2011, France has been mediocre, winning 20 of their last 44 Tests and scoring a measly 79 tries.
Contrast that with the All Blacks, who have won 46 of 51 Tests and scored 194 tires.
Between 2004 and 2007, the All Blacks won 42 out of 47 Tests and scored 217 tries. France won 34 out of 47 Tests and scored 149 tries.
The French side that upset the All Blacks at this stage in 2007, on paper at least, was vastly superior. So where can France realistically challenge New Zealand?
The All Blacks have conceded more turnovers than any other team at the tournament. The French have experience and class in the back row with Louis Picamoles, Bernard Le Roux and Thierry Dusautoir. Expect a torrid battle at the breakdown and for the French to attempt to upset Aaron Smith’s rhythm.
The All Blacks’ scrum has been wobbly. If the French can gain momentum at scrum time, it might translate to the rest of their game.
Coach Philippe Saint-Andre has made three changes to the side that suffered their biggest loss in 40 years to Ireland. Halfback Morgan Parra is recalled, burly centre Mathieu Bastareaud is dropped in favour of Alexandre Dumoulin, and Le Roux replaces Damien Chouly at No 8.
Saint-Andre has suggested France will have to play “the French way” to win. A greater emphasis will be placed on continuity and width in attack. This is a good thing for supporters of Les Bleus, but averaging fewer than two tries a Test in the last four years suggests that’s easier said than done.
The All Blacks haven’t been in vintage form this World Cup, but still have scored the most tries, with 25. They have made four changes from their 47-9 win against Tonga.
Nehe Milner-Skudder, with six tries in five Tests, wins the hot contest for the right wing spot, and will link with Julian Savea, who scored a hat-trick in his last start.
Elsewhere, Richie McCaw returns from injury to lead the team, pushing Sam Cane to the bench, and Brodie Retallick is back to partner Sam Whitelock at lock, with Luke Romano dropping out of the squad.
Wyatt Crockett replaces veteran loosehead Tony Woodcock, who is out of the tournament with a hamstring tear, while on the bench Ben Franks is demoted and the recently arrived Joe Moody takes over. Tawera Kerr-Barlow has usurped TJ Perenara as the reserve halfback.
The All Blacks have a 13-2 record with Nigel Owens as a referee, and have beaten the French 42 times in 56 Tests.
All logic points to an All Blacks win, but this is France!
In 1999 the All Blacks won the last Test at Athletic Park 54-7. A few months later France won the World Cup semi-final, rallying from being 24-10 down at halftime.
In 2007 the All Blacks scored a record 61-10 victory over France. A few months later they crashed out at the quarter-finals.
This will be fascinating, but I suspect the All Blacks have learnt their lessons and will prevail.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.