Rugby World Cup final 2011: France develop siege mentality
Page last updated at 06:41 GMT, Thursday, 20 October 2011 07:41 UK
Rugby World Cup 2011 final: France v New Zealand
- Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
- Date: Sunday, 23 October
- Kick-off: 0900 BST / 2100 NZ
- Coverage: Live text commentary, scores and report on BBC website; updates on BBC Radio 5 live; watch live on ITV1, live commentary on TalkSport radio
Parra said France have been 'hurt' by the criticism they have received
Fly-half Morgan Parra says it is "France against the world" as they prepare for Sunday's World Cup final.
Les Bleus have been widely pilloried for some poor displays during their progress into the final against the All Blacks in Auckland.
"We felt after beating England we might have some more support," said Parra.
"We felt that after beating Wales [in the semi-final] we might have some more support... but yet again, it is us against the world."
TOM FORDYCE'S BLOG
Continue reading the main storyRead more of Tom's blogThey say there's a thin line between genius and madness. If that's true, France coach Marc Lievremont has spent this World Cup tip-toeing along it like his compatriot Philippe Petit in Man On Wire
Parra said France had responded to the criticism by "cocooning ourselves in a bubble" but admitted it had affected the squad.
"Criticism from supporters or from certain England and Wales players saying we don't belong in the final - that hurts," added the converted scrum-half.
Even coach Marc Lievremont has been critical of their performances, leading to tension with the players, but it has simply served to make the squad a tighter unit.
"We are like a family now," said scrum-half Dimitri Yachvili. "We will have French support... all our families and our squad.
France's tournament so far
Continue reading the main story- Pool Games: France 47-21 Japan; France 46-19 Canada; New Zealand 37-17 France; France 14-19 Tonga.
- Quarter-Final: England 12-19 France.
- Semi-Final: Wales 8-9 France
"We know we will be 15 players on the pitch against all the world, maybe."
Winger Vincent Clerc said the French had to be given some credit for their run.
"This is the World Cup final... you can put some of it down to good fortune, but we are not here by chance or coincidence," he insisted.
"We are in our bubble. Not many people believe in us, but we do not want to miss this opportunity."
Watch highlights of the 1987 World Cup final as New Zealand play France
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See also
-
France name same team for final
19 October 11Rugby Union
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Lievremont living on the edge
19 October 11Rugby Union
-
Lievremont slams selfish players
16 October 11Rugby Union
-
Wales 8-9 France
15 October 11Rugby Union
-
England 12-19 France
08 October 11Rugby Union
-
New Zealand 37-17 France
24 September 11Rugby Union
-
Rugby World Cup 2011 team guide
05 September 11Rugby Union
-
Rugby World Cup fixtures and results
26 September 11Rugby Union
-
New Zealand 18-20 France
06 October 07Rugby Union
© 2011