French winger Vincent Clerc avoids a New Zealand tackle in the Rugby World Cup quarter-final.
#9. France 20 – New Zealand 18
Oct. 6, 2007
In New Zealand, rugby is the national sport. And the country's team, the beloved All Blacks, were the favorite at this year's World Cup. But the haka — the ritual dance the All Blacks perform before matches — didn't frighten the French, as Les Bleus came back from a 13-0 deficit to upset the Kiwis, 20-18, in the quarterfinals. The rally set up a French showdown with England in the semifinals in Paris; the French fell 14-9, and South Africa beat England in the finals.