^ Not sure about the comment that France has had to play a full fame in order to win. Having watched all of France's matches I can say that the most consistent period of rugby they played was in the first half against England in the QF. They have yet to play at a consistently high-level for 80 minutes. The fitness of both Japan and Canada was a critical factor in France's pool wins over each side. They both tired around the 65 minute mark which allowed the French to run in a few late tries and exaggerate the scoreline. In both of those matches les Bleus were second best for long periods of time. They were taken apart by a much superior All Black side and were made to defend for the entire match, hardly having the ball in attack and when they did, were bereft of ideas. Then came the Tonga debacle.
France were decent in chunks (1st half) against England, and still they left it late and England had many chances at the end of the match when France decided that 70 minutes of rugby was enough. And the French were positively but dreadful against Wales.
No I don't think that France has had to fight anything here. Sometimes in tournaments you get sides that luck out with the draw and advance deeply without really playing a decent match along the way. The only thing that this side has been fighting have been themselves and their coach.
Historically France have been a wonderfully attacking team. Their game was always based around having a good scrum, and backs with attacking flair, which traditionally made France the neutrals' favourite in previous World Cups. Unfortunately this side has not endeared themselves to the neutral fan, which is why many (most) are decidedly in support of NZ. In Cups past I'd have had no problem cheering for a side with the likes of Serge Blanco, Papa Benazzi and Fabien Pelous. But not this particular French side.
So yes you are definitely in the minority of people who are cheering for France to win. Everyone is free to do as they choose. But as a rugby fan and a neutral, it would be horrible for the game if France won as the style of rugby they played to get here and how poor they have been in the pool stages should have meant they failed to qualify for the KO round. Instead their philosophy of
gagner salement has had more to do with other results and (Canada beating Tonga & Ireland beating Australia) and refereeing decisions than their ability to play decent, attacking rugby for 80 minutes.
Rugby World Cup proves a conundrum for French fans
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15382989
