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http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20883188-23217,00.html
December 06, 2006
FORMER New Zealand coach John Mitchell believes form and injury could still conspire to derail the seemingly unstoppable All Blacks juggernaut at next year's Rugby World Cup in France.
The All Blacks are a red hot favourites for the 2007 tournament after sweeping to another Tri-Nations title and recently completing an all conquering campaign in Europe.
Mitchell, who coaches Australian Super 14 team Western Force, guided New Zealand to the 2003 World Cup semi-finals where they were upset by Australia.
While acknowledging New Zealand's recent sizzling form, Mitchell believes teams like France, South Africa and Australia could upset the All Blacks in a one-off situation.
"They (New Zealand) are going pretty good. I think form and injury probably could be their undoing," Mitchell said in Sydney.
"France spiritually at home have got an opportunity. South Africa are very good at the one-offs.
"Most sides are probably seeking that opportunity. It doesn't really matter what happens between now and pool games, it's what happens at quarter finals, semi-finals and finals time, as I know.
"And there's one team like the Wallabies, that are never scared by the All Blacks and they will be doing everything in their powers and in their preparation to be totally ready for that one-off occasion, and that's all it is.
Mitchell and several leading southern hemisphere coaches and referees are in Sydney this week for a SANZAR technical conference.
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