Rugby World Cup 2015 - Wynne Gray: Little to suggest France can rattle ABs' cage

France's head coach Philippe Saint Andre hosts a press conference at the Vale Resort in Hensol, south Wales. Photo / Getty Images.

Reactions to the All Blacks' next challenge against France have ranged from 'beware' to 'let's show them who rules the rugby world'.

It's the cautious respect-for-every-opponent against the walk-towards-the-pressure emblem the All Blacks are wearing for their seventh World Cup duel with the Tricolores.

France were ordinary in their last outing against Ireland. It looked a continuation of the uninspiring form and results since Philippe St Andrew took over in 2012. There was little to suggest France can rattle the All Blacks' cage even if the top-rated side has battled to change gear.

There was not much to suggest they would shake the All Blacks to the core at the last World Cup either, bundle them from their perch in Cardiff in 2007 or knock them into despair in 1999.

France have a knack, like no other tournament opposition, of finding a way to upset the All Blacks' usual rhythm.

What we should say is that France will bring an attitude filled with aggression to challenge the All Blacks and whoever is appointed to control this quarter-final.

The form so far from the All Blacks has been adequate. They've had bursts of great promise which would fillet any opposition and lengthy spells when they have struggled.

Someone inside the group has been feeding lines to the media about all the quality work done at their private trainings and unveiling something special when they hit the quarter-finals. Maybe, let's see.

Basic skill issues and poor decisions against Argentina, Namibia, Georgia and Tonga are all we have seen to judge the side's progress. Very fit, yes, and a load of talent too, but Sunday will require something more.

Pressure does strange things. Former coach Graham Henry filled pages of copy with his assessment of Wayne Barnes and his curiously one-sided refereeing in 2007 to account for the 20-18 defeat.

Barnes did miss one vital forward pass and was off the pace, but so were the All Blacks.

Their selections were unusual. Keith Robinson was picked at lock after 55 minutes' tournament work, Daniel Carter had a tender calf, Mils Muliaina was at centre because Conrad Smith and Isaia Toeava were not judged ready.

Before kickoff, the spicy chatter was about England's form reversal to beat the Wallabies without knowing we were about to witness something worse. The patterns began early when the All Blacks knocked on at kickoff and got away with it before Carter turned the ball over in the first attack.

The All Blacks got out to a 13-0 lead but their errors did not stop. France butchered a couple of opportunities but kept coming until Yannick Jauzion scored the crunch try.

It was unexpected and the most expensive RWC failure until England's implosion this year.