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Headed into the Rugby World Cup, New Zealand's squad boasted the perfect balance of youth and experience and had won all but their final international in the 1999 schedule. After rolling over Italy, Tonga and Scotland the path to the World Cup final seemed certain. Although France also defeated all of its opponents leading up to the historic meeting it had faced a much weaker group in Argentina, Canada, Fiji and Namibia. In the semifinal showdown New Zealand wasted little time in the first half jumping out to a 24-10 lead. Les Blues responded in the second half led by Christophe Lamaison, who scored a try, three conversions, two drop goals and three penalties. When the dust settled France owned a 43-31 victory and the biggest upset in 12-year history of the World Cup.
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