New Zealand beat France 37 - 17 to reach Rugby World Cup quarterfinals . `` We realized we had to take a step up this week , '' the flanker told the tournament website after victory against a nation who also ended New Zealand 's 1999 World Cup hopes in the semifinals . All teams have maximimum points after three of their Group A matches . Second - placed team likely to play England in the last eight of tournament . England thrash France 67 - 3 , scoring 10 tries , to move clear at top of Group A .
New Zealand beat France 37 - 17 to reach Rugby World Cup quarterfinals . All teams have maximimum points after three of their Group A matches . Second - placed team likely to play England in the last eight of tournament . England thrash France 67 - 3 , scoring 10 tries , to move clear at top of Group A .