PREVIEW: NZL vs. FRA

PREVIEW: New Zealand (NZL) vs. France (FRA) - 13th/14th classification - 7:50pm Monday (NZST)

New Zealand is set to take on France on Monday night in their final match of the FINA World Championships in Kazan, Russia.

The Kiwis made easy work of South Africa on Saturday, eventually winning by eight goals to solidify their place in the 13th/14th classification match.

Nicole Lewis in action during the 11-3 win over South Africa on Saturday (photo: Waterpolo-World)

“I’m really happy we have some success finally, which I was hoping for earlier.” said head coach Attila Biro on Saturday.

“Hopefully it will give the girls some confidence to take 13th place.”

It’s been a hunt through the record books in an attempt to find any previous encounters between the French and the Kiwis, and it is likely that the last time they clashed was some 20 years ago – three years before the birth of New Zealand’s current youngest player, when the eldest was just 13 – at the 1995 Water Polo World Cup in Sydney, Australia. The French edged out New Zealand to take seventh place. Prior to that was in 1991 at the FINA World Championships in Perth, Australia, where New Zealand beat France in pool play and eventually placed seventh, above the French in ninth position.

Fast forward to 2015, where the French have gone down to hosts Russia, as well as Hungary, and China 4-13. Similarly, New Zealand lost to China 6-14 at the Intercontinental Tournament after leading 3-2 at the end of the first quarter.

France overcame a determined Japan on Saturday – 9 goals to 6 – to qualify for the 13th playoff alongside New Zealand. The Kiwis have also topped Japan this year, twice in Auckland 8-4 and 13-10.

The New Zealanders will be eager to demonstrate their worthiness of being amongst the top twelve teams; looking past the disappointing outcome from group play. Spirits are high in the Kiwi camp as they aim to end the tournament with a win.

Meanwhile, Spain & the USA, Russia & the Netherlands, Australia & China, and Italy & Greece are set to do-or-die in the quarterfinals which will follow the Kiwis' playoff.

Follow @waterpolo_world on Twitter for updates throughout the match, and we will keep you posted with a report following shortly after the game.