You should be a fair judge of rugby after 116 internationals. So when celebrated French lock Fabien Pelous starts assessing the All Blacks you take an interest.
His English is not fluent but, with some help, his points are understood. The thrust of his chat is his admiration
for the All Blacks, their style and their World Cup favouritism balanced by his belief that France can knock them off tomorrow in Cardiff.
Pelous is in the revamped side chosen by coach Bernard Laporte and could be just giving a public team talk. But the experienced campaigner does not need to do that. He is giving a genuine appraisal of both sides' chances.
"I think the All Blacks, maybe, no not maybe, are the best team in this World Cup," Pelous said.
"And all the parts of their game are very good. But I think we are also a good team and we have good parts in our play. We are both good teams and just because they are good does not mean that we can't be good as well."
Pelous said Laporte had been trying to emulate the All Blacks' depth of players and had picked a side who were able to deliver a mix of patterns for the sudden-death quarter-final.
"It is not unsettling because we try and operate like the All Blacks and alternate our players."
Pelous thought France could emulate their 1999 win against the odds and the All Blacks.
There was a great deal of talk about that historic victory but its only benefit was to show that anything was possible.
"It shows us the way. But, of course, it is different today. We are a different team, we are in a different stadium, all is different but the reason to win would be the same. It is possible," said Pelous.
The All Blacks had picked a strong side, Keith Robinson had been chosen for his aggressive approach. He was also a strong lineout jumper and that was an area of the All Blacks' game which had improved.
"It has changed in the last two years, they play a lot more simple, but very efficient and simple like the rest of their game," said Pelous.
"Everything is very simple but very powerful."
