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.

Ever since the draw was made - some time last century - the World Cup was destined to march back in time to pit the All Blacks against France in a Cardiff quarterfinal.

World Cup quarter-final week for the All Blacks means an increasing number are welcoming partners and families after a month away from home.

It's quarter-final week and the mood has changed in the All Blacks' camp ahead of what is potentially their last game of the World Cup.

SBW should start ahead of Ma'a Nonu in the quarterfinal, in the name of trying to break opponents with skill rather than crashing through them, writes Chris Rattue.

The one thing that won't happen this week is the All Blacks being sucker-punched by the unexpected.

This week, Carter took greater responsibility and didn't leave it exclusively to others to probe for space. He was happy to charge, dance a bit and commit tacklers to him.

The All Blacks are heading for a showdown in Cardiff, the scene of their 2007 World Cup exit. Dylan Cleaver revisits that dark day.

Ma'a Nonu's trophies for playing 100 tests for the All Blacks could be seen on his head after the Tonga match in Newcastle.

He has had to be patient but, after the toughest four years of his career, Daniel Carter is finally where he wants to be.

Plenty of people have failed to grasp a simple fact, writes Gregor Paul. The only thing the All Blacks need to do is win.

Nehe Milner-Skudder has almost certainly won the No14 jersey for the All Blacks' quarter-final next weekend and he can't wait.

The All Blacks aren't satisfied with their World Cup form but hope the "real fear" of a quarterfinal exit will spur them on.

For Ma'a Nonu, his achievement in playing 100 tests for the All Blacks could be seen on his head

Chris Rattue rates the best and the worst from the All Blacks match over Tonga this morning.

Kieran Read's form has flat-lined this season and it should concern the All Blacks, writes Wynne Gray.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has played a starring role a lip-syncing video that has gone viral.

Nehe Milner-Skudder and Sam Cane lead the way for All Blacks players who stood out statistically against Tonga.

Nervous New Zealand fans fear the Rugby World Cup is on its way back to Australia.

The English media has wasted no time in panning the All Blacks' chances of defending the World Cup.

Despite a frustrating first half, the All Blacks managed a win against Tonga with a decent margin - but fans on Twitter were kept on the edges of their seats at first.