Can France keep their focus?

Ask a neutral which tie he'd most like to see in the World Cup and there's a good chance the answer will be France versus New Zealand. France, unpredictable and inconsistently exciting, against the team by whose standards all others are measured. This year there is no danger of the two not meeting - they've been drawn together in Pool A. They could meet again in the final, as happened with England and South Africa four years ago.

The biggest danger for France in their World Cup group will be boredom. The French, like their supporters, are not prone to get overexcited, and they will not need to be at their best to see off Tonga, Canada and Japan. They have little incentive to beat New Zealand, given that the dubious reward is a probable quarter-final against the losers of the England-Argentina clash.

As defending Six Nations champions and winners of the Grand Slam last year, the only way France can go is down, but expect them to do so in style. Sure they'll lose a game, but who knows which one? But there are two things France need to show and anyone looking to bet on rugby union action should keep an eye out for them.

Firstly, can France beat England? They have once or twice recently, more often in Paris, and not in the World Cup. The trip to Twickenham is an ideal time to make a statement, although the Six Nations betting tips suggest it won't be easy.

And secondly, have they still got it? Have France still got what only France have ever really had: the ability to comprehensively outplay any team on the planet, even New Zealand – especially New Zealand – for about 20 or 30 minutes, just long enough to turn any game on its head? We may see it at some point in the Six Nations. We may not. Just don't expect it in a meaningless World Cup pool match.