22 Jun 2018

France vs NZ: French fans emerge in Dunedin as countdown begins

7:44 am on 22 June 2018

Rugby fans are converging on Dunedin for the final test match between France and New Zealand.

Damian McKenzie in action against France.

Damian McKenzie in action against France. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

While most eagerly watch the match on Saturday, Alliance Française Dunedin vice president Kim Cousins will be busy translating.

She will be an interpreter for French media and Les Bleus at Forsyth Stadium - it's her first time officially translating at a sports match.

"You can be bilingual, but there is still a lot technical vocabulary in whatever specialist area you look into," Ms Cousins said.

"I've certainly been studying my rugby vocabulary to make sure everything is right."

Walking around the Octagon on Thursday afternoon, Les Bleus fans can be difficult to find.

However, Alliance Française Dunedin member Elodie Crossard said there would be plenty decked out in red, white and blue to show their support on game day.

"It will be great to win this time," Ms Crossard said.

Like many who have lived in both countries, deciding on a team can be a challenge.

While Ms Crossard said she supported her home country, France, it wouldn't stop her from changing colours.

"We are happy with both winning."

Choosing a side had also been a dilemma for Francois Leurquin.

After moving to New Zealand more than two decades ago, Mr Leurquin said it was a bit complicated to pick a side.

He was happy that a team he supported would win either way, he said.

But Mr Leurquin hoped Les Bleus would be the victors for the final match.

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