France wary of Tongan threat

France are treating their final World Cup pool match against Tonga like a straight knockout tie. Marc Lievremont's men need just one point from the game which will be played in Wellington on Saturday, but they are wary of the Tongan challenge. The Pacific islanders can still make it through to the last eight if they win by scoring four tries or more and deny France a defensive bonus point. "We are looking at this match as if it were a last 16 round game," said lock Julien Pierre. "We are still not sure of qualifying for the quarter finals and they are still in with a chance." The French World Cup campaign so far has been a difficult one. They grabbed a maximum 10 points from their openers against Japan and Canada, but then were soundly defeated 37-17 by the All Blacks. There have also been reports of player discontent in the squad and coach Lievremont has been at odds with French journalists covering the team. But the way the results have gone, the French can realistically see a path through to the final at Eden Park on October 23 with a likely quarter-final against England followed by a semi-final against another Six Nations team. Veteran hooker William Servat believes that the inconsistencies the French have displayed so far in the competition will be banished come Saturday. "Now we are really into the heart of the matter," he said. "We have been preparing for this match for the last three months. We know its knockout rugby now."