We look at the French players who may wield the greatest influence in Sunday morning's World Cup quarter-final against the All Blacks at Cardiff.

When France gave the All Blacks a hell of a fight.

The All Blacks are camped out in Swansea ahead of their quarter-final match against France this weekend. We've lined up a few things for them to do in the run-up to the this important challenge.

WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING: Timaru-born France prop Uini Atonio cracks wise while rest of squad works out what to do about the haka.

Schalk Burger's eternally beaming face briefly gave way to a deep frown yesterday when asked what lessons had been learned from the 2011 World Cup defeat to Australia in New Zealand that might help....

Some sporting wounds cut so deep the scars never really heal.

If the All Blacks find themselves in a tight contest with France at halftime on Sunday morning, it won't be time to panic.

The missing ingredient for the All Blacks at this World Cup has been a genuine sense of fear.

Check out Richie's All Black efforts off the field.

Sudden-death matches can bring out the best, and the worst, in players, and All Blacks lock Luke Romano is preparing to fight fire with fire against France in Sunday's World Cup quarter-final.

WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING: Japan welcomed home like heroes and US news network tries to get to the heart of the haka.

He is widely regarded as the best referee in the world and has officiated at the 2007 and 2011 World Cups.

Keen punters depart on package tours to UK to witness rugby history (hopefully).

There was little to suggest France can rattle the All Blacks' cage even if the top-rated side has battled to change gear, writes Wynne Gray.

It appears Richie McCaw is in royal favour - now that England are no longer around for the All Blacks to knock out of the Rugby World Cup.

Richie McCaw has made an appearance at an exclusive reception hosted by the Queen and Prince Harry at Buckingham Palace.

Former French coach Marc Lievremont believes it will take a small miracle for France to beat the All Blacks on Sunday.

OPINION: The French are as much hung up on 2007 as New Zealanders are, writes Gregor Paul.

When it comes to the All Blacks, the English press are obsessed with three things: the haka, Richie McCaw's tactics at the breakdown, and the team's "aura".

For Kiwi Genevieve Gibson and her French fiance Fabien Le Gall, this weekend's quarter-final clash between the All Blacks and France is a different kind of test.

Joe Moody's arrival from NZ as a replacement for Tony Woodcock means the All Blacks are back to full fitness as they prepare for their date with destiny.

For Sonny Bill Williams, Sunday's quarter-final against France will have an added significance - a reunion with France coach Philippe Saint-Andre.

Should scores still be drawn after 10 minutes each-way of extra time, tournament rules state that the referee will conduct a place-kick competition.

With all eight quarter-final spots now filled, Scott Yeoman looks at seven things you need to know going into tonight and the next few days.

After cruising through their pool, the All Blacks need this match against France to shake off the cobwebs, writes Justin Marshall.