France recorded their most famous victory and the biggest upset in Rugby World Cup history by defeating overwhelming favourites New Zealand 43-31 in a semi-final of passion, suspense and drama at Twickenham yesterday. The stunning French win brought the tournament to life after a month of indifferent matches, chaotic organisation and poor marketing.
The French victory eclipsed their 1987 World Cup semi-final defeat of Australia, their opponents in next Saturday's final in Cardiff. It also represented the worst defeat suffered by the All Blacks, who were at odds of 1-20 to win the match.
French coach Pierre Villepreux was close to tears as his players celebrated wildly on the pitch at the final whistle.
"This is a very emotional moment, I am really delighted for the players. You could say lots of things, but I just say `Bravo'," said Villepreux.
New Zealand coach John Hart said his team, 2-5 favourites to win the tournament, had been outplayed and had no excuses.
"I've always had all due respect for France. They seized every opportunity they had and they retained the ball for longer periods than we did. Obviously it's a disappointment but we have to take it on the chin," said Hart.
France were seemingly down and out when Jonah Lomu scored his second try of the match to put the All Blacks 24-10 ahead early in the second half, thrusting through uncommitted tackling with contemptuous ease.
But French out-half Christophe Lamaison had seen enough to realise the All Blacks were not unbeatable. He kicked beautifully all afternoon and contributed a remarkable 28 points of the French total. In a pulsating second half, France ran up 33 points, leaving New Zealand and the pundits reeling with their brand of flamboyant rugby.
French politicians, who saw their opinion poll ratings rise after the country's victory in last year's soccer World Cup, were quick to offer congratulations to the team. President Jacques Chirac said: "It is a fantastic exploit to beat the All Blacks in a World Cup semi-final and I offer my warmest and most admiring congratulations.
"It's a big moment for our country and I will be, like all French people, by your side for Saturday's final." In New Zealand, where supreme confidence in the All Blacks had reached the level of planning the team's homecoming celebrations with the World Cup, the day was described as "Black Monday" with supporters waking up to the news that their team had failed again to win rugby's biggest prize.