Although France has never won the rugby union World Cup, it has certainly left its mark since the tournament began in 1987.
With the fifth edition of the World Cup underway Oct. 10 with host Australia against Argentina in Sydney, France once again has the mantle of dark horse -- the flashy, dangerous outsider other teams would rather avoid.
The long-standing cliche in rugby circles is that France is capable of anything, its pendulum swinging between the sublime and the disappointing.
PHOTO: REUTERS
However, this is precisely what makes the French so awkward an opponent. While England, New Zealand and Australia may justifiably be considered stronger teams, none quite has that magical extra gear the French seem to be able to find at a whim. Just ask New Zealand and Australia.
In 1987, France reached the semifinals at Sydney's Concord Oval, where it was paired against highly fancied Australia -- the script being that Australia would win comfortably and meet co-host New Zealand in the final in Auckland.
With time running down and the teams locked in a tense battle, legendary fullback Serge Blanco -- renowned for his love of Gitanes cigarettes, wine and women as much as his outstanding rugby skills -- scored a late try in the corner.
Didier Camberabero converted the try to send France into the final, where it lost in disappointing fashion to the All Blacks by 29-9.
Narrowly beaten 19-15 by eventual champion South Africa in the 1995 World Cup semifinals, France earned a chance for revenge against the All Blacks in 1999.
Four years ago, France had advanced through its group stages in unconvincing fashion. Although it handsomely beat Argentina 47-26 in the quarterfinals, France was expected to crumble against the mighty All Blacks in the penultimate round. Then came 14 minutes of mayhem, where France scored 26 points and blew apart the myth of the All Blacks invincibility with a stunning exhibition of attacking rugby. France scored 33 points in a second half of rugby the like of which had rarely been seen at such a high level.
The French backs, notably the wingers Christophe Dominici and Philippe Bernat-Salles, scythed through New Zealand's defense with their fast, carefree running bursts.
For once, it has to be said, Twickenham's 75,000 crowd was united that day in celebration of France's 43-31 incredible triumph over the All Blacks.
That win had rugby's romantics dreaming of another upset in the final at Cardiff's Millenium Stadium, where France met Australia.
Like a damp firework, France's bid to upset the odds again fizzled, Australia winning 35-12 with little difficulty and amid accusations of foul play in the rucks and mauls.
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