France Stuns Rugby World Cup
In the biggest upset in the history of the Rugby World Cup, France beat New Zealand 43-31 Sunday to advance to the final against Australia.
The French were led by Christophe Lamaison's 28 points and rallied from a 24-10 deficit. They will play for the championship Saturday in Cardiff, Wales.
This was the worst defeat for the All Blacks, the 1995 runner-up. Defending champion South Africa was ousted in its semifinal Saturday by Australia.
Lamaison was playing because Thomas Castaignede was sidelined with a thigh injury. He scored all of France's points in the first half.
"It was my destiny and I got a lot of pleasure out of it," he said. "The All Blacks mountain wasn't that huge after all."
France and New Zealand hadn't met in a World Cup since the inaugural tournament in 1987 when the All Blacks won 29-9 in Auckland.
"The All Blacks win often but from time to time they lose," France coach Jean-Claude Skrela said. "Or maybe the French knew how to win today."
All but dismissed before the semifinals, Europe's sole survivor in the competition salvaged much respect with its comeback. No team from the northern hemisphere has won the championship.
New Zealand coach John Hart said his team was completely outplayed for 30 minutes in the second half. His team faces South Africa for third place Thursday, with the winner automatically qualifying for the 2003 World Cup.
"We made mistakes, the French capitalized and capitalized well," Hart said. "We put ourselves under enormous pressure and, under pressure, we didn't respond."
Philippe Bernat-Salles of France said he and his teammates plan to celebrate before preparing for the final.
"Tonight we drink beer," he said. "Tomorrow we think about Australia."
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