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'We hate the English, but...' - old enemy of England can't help but be impressed

By Josh Raisey
England's toppling of New Zealand has earned them some unlikely fans

After England’s historic victory over New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup semi-final on Saturday, former France international Freddie Michalak has admitted that his country “would like to look like them”.

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The Lyon flyhalf made the statement on Twitter, although he also pointed out that they still “hate the English” (translated on Twitter).

Eddie Jones side pulled off one of the victories for the ages in Yokohama, as his side completely shut down the reigning champions for a 19-7 win, in which the All Blacks only scored from a mistake at a lineout.

It was a display that took a leaf out of France’s book, as it was probably the most inspired performance at the RWC since Michalak’s countrymen pushed the All Blacks all the way in the 2011 final, although they fell agonisingly short on that occasion.

In fact, France are synonymous with stunning the All Blacks at the RWC, as they did in both 1999 and 2007 as well. However, Les Bleus have not looked like being able to conjure the same magic in recent years, which is why the 37-year-old concedes that they would like to resemble England.

Michalak’s France fell to England in the semi-final in 2007 after beating the All Blacks, the same stage that they crashed out to Sir Clive Woodward’s side in the 2003 RWC. He is part of a generation of French players that had a fierce rivalry with their cross-channel neighbours, as both sides dominated northern hemisphere rugby. However, the three-time RWC finalists have lost their way in recent years.

The 77-cap international described the display as “incredibly strong”, and they will head into the RWC final this Saturday as favourites against South Africa. They physically dominated the three-time world champions, and there is no higher praise than from one of England’s bitterest enemies than this.

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Eddie Jones and Ben Youngs speak at a press conference following Saturdays win, seeing the England rugby squad seal their place in the final of the World Cup.

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Bull Shark 3 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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