However, the resort stands ready and, come September 18, will mount a formidable defence in the nation's honour.
The battleground, Queenstown Rec Ground, has been agreed, as have the weapons of choice - some of the most outstanding men to have represented France and New Zealand in rugby in recent history, during the French Classic and Classic All Blacks rugby match.
Destination Queenstown marketing general manager Graham Budd said the "wily French" knew their rugby teams had often been New Zealand's nemesis and they would play on the psychological advantage, with the All Blacks' defeat by the French in the 1999 Rugby World Cup semifinal still etched in the memory of many New Zealanders.
That defeat would provide extra motivation for the Classic All Blacks to rewrite the history books.
While the French were keeping the names of most of their team secret, three have been confirmed.
Centre Franck Comba, who notched up 13 caps for France between 1998 and 2001, and hooker Marc de Rougemont, who also had 13 caps, have been named along with lock David Auradou.
Mr Budd said New Zealand would leave nothing to chance come September 18. Big guns were being brought in for the match, including Christian Cullen, Jeff Wilson, Andrew Mehrtens, Justin Marshall, Tony Brown, Charlie Hore, Reuben Thorne, Dion Muir, Kees Meeuws, Scott Robertson and Queenstown's Kelvin Middleton.
The match, organised by Destination Queenstown in conjunction with Classic All Blacks convener Andy Haden and the Sevens with Altitude committee, was expected to attract locals and visitors from all nations.
A limited number of tickets can be bought via the Ticketek website, with 250 grandstand tickets at $25 plus booking fee and 2000 general admission tickets at $12. The remaining 4750 tickets will be sold at the gate on game day.
Children under 16 can attend free.
