France Runners-up at RWC 2011

France just came up short against New Zealand in the final at Eden Park in the 2011 Rugby World Cup. It had been billed as a simple matter for the Kiwis to win as they had pummelled the French in their pool game 37-17. But as usual France tore up the script and made the final a real contest, in fact one they could, perhaps should and most certainly almost won. Going down by the narrowest of margins 7-8. They will be hoping to go one better in 2015 when the competition will be closer to home in England.

France automatic qualifiers RWC 2011

France will be looking to upset the hosts again, having been the team to knock them out in the quarter-finals in 2007. France then went on to lose to England in the semis. They have however reached two of the last six Rugby World Cup Finals but have lost both times. 'Les Blues' have always risen to the occasion on rugby's biggest stage. They are consistant top performers in the Six Nations and if on form will pose a threat for the All Blacks and could spring a surprise.

'Le Blues' Rugby's Flair World Cup Side

France have always combined powerful forwards with a talented set of backs, to produce awesome attacking play. Their Achilles heel was always a lack of discipline gifting the opposition penalty goals and possession. Under the guidance of Marc Lièvremont, a new discipline has been established, making France a feared opponent. This coupled with some exciting young talent should see the French competing through into the latter stages with an outside opportunity to lift the Webb Ellis Cup for the first time.p.

The new France shirts for RWC 2011 are available now. The shirt which will also be the World Cup version has moved on from previous versions with paler blue shoulders graduating to dark blue as it goes down the body. The shirt is made by Nike and features further developments on the tight fit first seen at the 2003 Rugby World Cup. To place your order and view other France shirts visit the France Shirts page.

France in Pool 'A'

France meet New Zealand,Tonga,Canada and Japan in Pool A of the 2011 competition. they are expected to progress to the knockout stages as runner-up to hosts New Zealand. Could they be the suprise team and take the cup to the northern hemisphere.

France News

France open Six Nations with win - France 30-12 Italy - Philippe Saint-Andre opened his tenure as France Coach with a solid win against Italy in a freezing Stade de France

France 30-man provisional squad Six Nations - Clermont Auvergne centre Wesley Fofana and Toulouse lock Yoann Maestri are fhe only new names in the first squad selection by French coach Philippe Saint-Andre

RWC: Final: New Zealand 2011 Champions - France 7-8 New Zealand - 24 years and the monkey is off the back, they did not choke and all the other clichés could be brought out

RWC: FINAL: French perspective - RUGBY WORLD CUP FINAL - NEW ZEALAND vs FRANCE Eden Park, Auckland, Sunday 23st Oct 9pm (NZT) Head-to-head: Played 50, New Zealand 37, France 12, Drawn 1 Last meeting: New Zealand 37 beat France 17 at Eden Park, Auckland, 2011 Last meeting at a World Cup: New Zealand 37 beat France 17 at Eden Park, Auckland, 2011 THE FRENCH PERSPECTIVE Team news: France coach Marc Lievremont named his team on Tuesday so there was little chance for the media to speculate as to who would be lining up in the final for the French

RWC: Final: New Zealand Preview - New Zealand prepare for the defining game of their heritage on Sunday night, desperate to appease their forbearers on the biggest stage possible – a World Cup final on home turf – against a French team that were cut apart with ease in pool play