Remember their World Cup boilovers against the All Blacks in 1999 and 2007? The same almost applied in 2011 but for a missed penalty.
For them, the test against the All Blacks at Stade de France on Sunday morning (NZT) - the eve of Armistice Day - is a fantastic opportunity to turn the world on its head once again.
Whitewashed in the test series in New Zealand in June, the French hardly fired a shot. And yet ...
The All Blacks by contrast tend to perform with ruthless efficiency, by paying attention to detail. France are another box to be ticked on their quest to finish the year unbeaten, something which would be a magnificent achievement, but Steve Hansen was quick to point out there is an emotional aspect to this test for his men too.
As Tom Taylor and Wyatt Crockett prepared to represent the All Blacks in a ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Paris' Arc de Triumph, Hansen spoke of his team's desire to retain the Dave Gallaher Cup, named for the captain of the 1905-6 Originals side who was one of 13 All Blacks killed in World War 1.
The significance of that hasn't been lost on Hansen or his team and by naming the most experienced line-up in All Blacks history - there are 853 caps in the starting XV alone - Hansen believes he his given them the best chance of maintaining their excellent 40-year unbeaten record here in Paris.
There will be question marks around the fitness of the returning Owen Franks and Cory Jane and how Charles Piutau will handle the pressure of his third start in nine tests. But for Hansen, that overall experience brings a solid foundation and the capacity to adapt.
"It brings ... understanding of what you've got to do in a big occasion," Hansen said of his seasoned troops. "We certainly won't be taking the French lightly. For them it's a big occasion as well. It's their first home test of the [season]. It's being played in a magnificent stadium and the significance of the match ... is huge for us."
The spotlight will again fall on the All Blacks' scrum, still a work in progress this year. It's not an Achilles heel, but France will see an opportunity, as will England next weekend.
Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu and Owen Franks will be the starting front row in the spotlight this week, with Franks back from a groin injury.
Mealamu has been handed the starting hooker's role, with Dane Coles his back-up. Hansen hinted Andrew Hore would be involved against England at the expense of Mealamu, which suggests Coles, whom the coach believes is progressing well, will again start from the bench.
Coles might be improving, but probably not as quickly as Piutau.
Named on the left wing, Piutau would have started there even had Julian Savea not been struck down with the flu, a just reward for his performance against Japan and previous one against Australia in Dunedin. Not bad for a 22-year-old who made his debut against the French in New Plymouth in June.
"He came out and showed real maturity against Australia down in Dunedin. He defended magnificently and with the ball in hand he's electric. He's got the ability to beat people and he showed that again against Japan. Aerially he's strong. He's in good form - he's had two [starting] opportunities and he deserves another one."
The All Blacks team to play France at Stade de France on Sunday, kick-off 9am NZT (caps in brackets) is: Israel Dagg (35), Cory Jane (43), Ben Smith (23), Ma'a Nonu (85), Charles Piutau (8), Daniel Carter (98), Aaron Smith (23), Kieran Read (58), Richie McCaw (c) (121), Liam Messam (26), Sam Whitelock (48), Brodie Retallick (21), Owen Franks (51), Keven Mealamu (108), Tony Woodcock (105). Reserves: Dane Coles (12), Wyatt Crockett (21), Charlie Faumuina (15), Steven Luatua (9), Sam Cane (14), Tawera Kerr-Barlow (12), Aaron Cruden (27), Ryan Crotty (2).