All Blacks' fans have a morbid fear of France when it comes to the World Cup, but last weekend's results have unexpectedly led to traitorous whispers that another French triumph would actually be a good thing for the host nation.
As the group stage reaches the halfway point and fans and players were given time to draw breath on the action before nine consecutive days of matches, attention is turning to the big showdowns next weekend. Among them is New Zealand versus France in Auckland, a game the host nation have been particularly focused on in the wake of their shock defeats in the 1999 semifinals and quarter-finals four years ago.
However, after Ireland's surprise victory over Australia looks to have skewed the draw into a southern and northern hemisphere split, that match has suddenly become a good one to lose.
The winners will top the group and go into a probable quarter-final with Australia, followed by an expected semi against defending champion South Africa.
The runners-up can plan for a likely last-eight meeting with England, then a game against Ireland, Wales or Samoa for a place in the final.
Of course it would be against the nature of All Blacks' rugby to even consider setting out to lose a match, not least at Eden Park, and though it was a subject widely discussed amongst fans and on Internet forums, no mention of such a scenario passed the lips of anyone connected with the New Zealand team.
The same equation applies to France, of course, but when coach Marc Lievremont was asked the question he, as expected, dismissed the notion.
"I don't think we will start thinking we want to lose, that's certainly not an option, even if it's easier - and the All Blacks might want to lose," he said. "I don't think it is in the spirit of rugby to start a match thinking we are going to lose."
One player who certainly would not risk giving his all if he gets the chance is All Black wing Zac Guildford, who is now in the tee-total area of the last-chance saloon after being reprimanded for excessive drinking following New Zealand's Tri Nations defeat to Australia in Brisbane last month.
All Blacks manager Darren Shand said Guildford had breached the team's agreement on drinking: "He's let himself down, he's let his teammates down," said Shand.
Guildford has not been banned but has yet to feature in the tournament following a poor display in that game: "I feel now that I have got a chance and I want to make the most of it," said the 22-year-old.
