Les Bleus happy to face men in black

New Zealand will wear their first-choice all-black strip in Sunday's Rugby World Cup 2011 decider despite losing the toss to France in Auckland on Monday.

Les Bleus team manager Jo Maso correctly called heads when the coin was flipped to decide first choice of jersey and changing room at Eden Park.

Maso could have chosen for France to wear their regular blue jersey and the All Blacks to play in their all-white strip but declined to do so.

"We decided to allow the All Blacks the choice to play in black. For us it is a sign of respect and a way for our team to thank New Zealanders for a remarkable World Cup," said Maso.
The president of the French union Pierre Camou, head coach Marc Lièvremont, team management, and players all supported the decision.

Maso added: "It is an honour to play the All Blacks when they play in their black jerseys and it is logical with the World Cup final being held at Eden Park."

France, who will play New Zealand in white for only the second time in a RWC match, hope Maso's winning the coin toss will be a good omen.

He also won the toss prior to the RWC 2007 quarter-final match between the teams.

On that occasion, the All Blacks were forced to wear their alternative silver and black strip and lost the match 20-18. It is the only time Les Bleus have not faced a predominantly black New Zealand jersey in World Cup encounters.

Meanwhile, Australia will wear their traditional gold jersey and Wales their red one when they battle for bronze on Friday.