Les Bleus 'the best', says ambassador

Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull may think otherwise but French ambassador to New Zealand Florence...
Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull may think otherwise but French ambassador to New Zealand Florence Jeanblanc-Risler has no doubt who will win the Rugby World Cup quarterfinal between the All Blacks and France this weekend - ''Les Bleus''. Photo by Peter McIntosh.

It's going to be a resounding win for ''Les Bleus'' on Sunday morning, the French ambassador to New Zealand says.

Florence Jeanblanc-Risler was in Dunedin yesterday on her first official visit to the city since taking up the post in March and was happy to provide her thoughts on the All Blacks' Rugby World Cup quarterfinal encounter with France.

After a diplomatic stance stating she had ''no idea'' who would win, Mrs Jeanblanc-Risler quickly showed her true colours.

''I find it funny to see this replay of something that happened in 2007 [when France beat New Zealand 20-18 in their quarterfinal],'' she said.

''Either it will be a revenge or one of the teams will crash out.

''It will be tough [but] Les Bleus [will win] of course ... because they are the best.''

The French would draw on past experience to beat the All Blacks, Mrs Jeanblanc-Risler said.

''I guess some of the players will replay what happened in 2007 and 1999,'' she said.

Mrs Jeanblanc-Risler was in Dunedin for engagements with the French community, the business community, the University of Otago and Mayor Dave Cull.

It was her second visit to Dunedin - the first was 22 years ago - and she said the city had a great atmosphere.

''It's funny to see how rugby is a strong connection between the two countries,'' she said.

''It's nice to see that connection.''

Mr Cull picked an 18-15 All Black win.

rhys.chamberlain@odt.co.nz

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