French toast Cafe crew raises heat for final

Alain Janin had two flags on his car at the start of the Rugby World Cup but he lost the black one - he's hoping it might be a sign.

The French ex-pat says while he knows the All Blacks are the best in the game, he hopes luck will be with the opposition in this Sunday's finale.

Mr Janin owns Le Cafe De Paris in Rotorua and yesterday - hours after the All Blacks booked their final spot with victory over Australia - was being informed his team would be beaten in the final.

"The All Blacks are the best but the French - you never know," he warned.

"I was sure we wouldn't make the final. It's a surprise but a good one. I had two flags on my car at the start of the tournament but I lost one. It was the black one - it's a sign maybe."

He said his first customers yesterday warned him the All Blacks would win and that sentiment continued throughout the day. He has been in New Zealand nine years but, as much as he loves his new home, he's "still French".

"I've learned New Zealand are the best in rugby but it's not always the best who win. I think the All Blacks should win but I'll be very happy if the French win.

"I put $20 on France to beat England and then $20 on them to beat Wales. This week I'll put $20 on France to win."

Le Cafe De Paris is an international workplace with staff from New Zealand, Australia and Romania. Cook Tracey Hawkins is "backing black" this weekend and said she was glad the morning after the final was a public holiday.

"It means we can celebrate," Ms Hawkins said.

"We've given each other stick, we tell [the French] we're going to win and they tell us it will be France, but I don't think so."

After watching the All Blacks beat Australia, she said she believed they could beat France by 20 points.

"I was rooting for the Welsh [on Saturday], so it was a shock to have to face the French. There will be a lot of ribbing this week. A lot comes from the customers - but I think the All Blacks can do it."