France revenge not a factor for New Zealand, says Dan Carter
Tuesday 13 October 2015 10:48, UK
New Zealand fly-half Dan Carter insists the All Blacks will not be looking for revenge when they take on France in Saturday's World Cup quarter-final in Cardiff.
Carter and captain Richie McCaw are the only survivors from the New Zealand team stunned 20-18 by the French in the 2007 World Cup last-eight clash at the Millennium Stadium.
"It's not something we have talked about, it's more for the public and the press," Carter said.
"It's a new team and we are not looking in the past. It is not daunting us. It's just an exciting challenge at a stadium where we love to play."
New Zealand have beaten France in their last eight meetings, with the last French win coming in 2009 in Dunedin.
"We have played so much rugby since then and the French will probably say the same," Carter added.
"It was eight years ago and we have moved on from there with a new team who have been through a lot together. It's all about looking forward.
"But they are a dangerous side and these are the challenges we love, so the guys will be up for it.
"France love playing the All Blacks in big matches and I know they will perform out their skin. It's about us turning up."
France eased through their first three games in the tournament before producing a lacklustre performance to lose 24-9 to Ireland last weekend.
"The thing is they are very unpredictable," Carter said.
"Form and momentum doesn't count for much with the French. They can be poor one week and awesome the next."
