Laporte hails defiant France

The French, who were forced to play their quarter-final in Cardiff after finishing as runners-up in their pool, came from 13-0 down at the Millennium Stadium to pull off their first win over the All Blacks for seven years and set up a semi-final showdown with England in Saint Denis next Saturday.

Laporte said: "The All Blacks certainly had far more possession than us but our discipline was excellent - it really played a great role in our win. It was a good win for us but now we start thinking about England. It's going to be another really tough match."

The All Blacks led 13-0 thanks to an 18th-minute try from centre Luke McAlister and three goals from Dan Carter before penalty goals from Lionel Beauxis either side of half-time gave the French hope.

But Laporte's team did not hit the front until Jean-Baptiste Elissalde converted Yannick Jauzion's 69th-minute try and they were forced to hold off a terrific late onslaught before securing their famous victory.

France captain Rafael Ibanez, who was in the team that beat New Zealand in the 1999 World Cup, revealed his players went eyeball-to-eyeball with the All Blacks during the pre-match Haka to demonstrate their pride in the jersey.

"We took the decision three days ago," he said. "We weren't trying to indulge in provocation. We have a lot of respect for the Haka.

"But by nailing our flags to the mast, we wanted to show how proud we were of wearing our country's colours. I believe that every time you play New Zealand you have to play out of your skin and that's what happened this evening. This will remain with me for the rest of my life.

"It was a great victory. They players really gave everything right until the end. In the World Cup courage and team spirit can make a big difference. We played with a lot of heart.

"At half-time we talked very well and Bernard told us that at 13-3 the last 40 minutes were the most important in our lives."