Few believe they can win but as the number of doubters increases, the resolve within the French increases. France hooker William Servat insists they have adopted an us-against-the-world mentality as they head into Sunday's World Cup final battle with the All Blacks.
Les Bleus have come in for some staunch criticism from the press and fans alike for their poor performances throughout the tournament and the many rumours of in-fighting that have plagued the camp has hardly helped their cause. But they are in the final - 18 teams are not - and the views of the world's media are further motivation for a side who have adopted a siege mentality.
"It's a style that we like,'' said Servat on his team's mental approach. "The main thing for us will be to retain our pride.
"As for the question of `us against the world', I think it's a great way to prepare for a match of this magnitude.
"We're going to be passionate, we know what we need to do. We've been spending time with the family and friends that have stayed in New Zealand.
"We don't need a huge amount of motivation at the moment. A lot of sentences have been spoken about this match. It doesn't really involve me. The group is working together, and that's all that counts. We're not alone. We prepare together as a team.''
For many, the final should be a formality for New Zealand who are looking break their 24-year wait for the World Cup title. France's poor form and the fact the All Blacks easily beat them 37-17 in the pool stages would suggest victory is the most likely outcome for the home side.
Servat replied to the claims of an easy win for Graham Henry's side with tongue firmly planted in cheek. "As we all know, the All Blacks are superior,'' he said. "They stand a great chance of winning this match.''
Despite their unconvincing 9-8 semifinal win against a 14-man Welsh side, France are dangerous and Servat pointed to his teammate's experience in knockout rugby as a major factor on Sunday.
"We've been very lucky playing with our clubs to experience some intense moments playing in the French Championship and Heineken Cup finals,'' he said.
"You dream about his day your whole life and, in a way, that pressure helps you. We're going to do everything in our power to make sure we have no regrets.
"Anything can happen, but the main thing is to play the game and be proud of our performance afterwards.''
The 33-year-old veteran hooker is relishing the prospect of facing New Zealand in their own backyard as overwhelming underdogs.
"We're playing the All Blacks at Eden Park in a World Cup final, it's a surreal moment.''
"We've been dreaming about this for a long time, and we hoping to bring the ingredients to make this a beautiful final.''
France tighthead prop Nicolas Mas heaped praise on the All Blacks' pack, but insists the home side will push the laws to the limit in their chase for victory at Eden Park.
"The All Blacks are very good but they're not angels, either,'' the Perpignan prop said about New Zealand's tactics. "That's the way a game is played. Given the context of this match ... they're going to do everything in their power to win.
"Passion will be a big factor on Sunday, and we will bring plenty of it.''
- Rory Keane for APNZ