Despite losing two matches during the pool stages, including a shock 19-14 loss to Tonga, France will play in Sunday's final.
This French team has been a shambles at times and looks to be running on player power as Marc Lievremont seems to have lost the dressing room, yet, when it mattered, Les Bleus delivered the goods. France captain Thierry Dusautoir deserves enormous credit for keeping this French team together with his leadership during what has been a difficult tournament.
Along with Clermont openside Julien Bonnaire and a rejuvenated Imanol Harinordoquy in the backrow, Dusautoir led his team to an emphatic victory against England and was a tower of strength in his team's narrow 9-8 victory over Wales in the semifinals.
New Zealand fans will not need to be reminded of the impact of the Toulouse flanker in matches against New Zealand - Dusautoir famously made 37 tackles in France's shock 20-18 win over the All Blacks four years ago.
Players of the Rugby World Cup:
Sean O'Brien (Ireland)
Sam Warburton (wales)
Israel Dagg (New Zealand)
Piri Weepu (New Zealand)