Game of two halves

PHIL REID/Dominion Post

IN GOOD TIMES AND BAD: Frenchwoman Soazik Dunkin and Kiwi husband Miles watched the match at the Alliance Francaise in Wellington.

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It's tough being an All Black fan when the rest of your family is French.

Kiwi dad Miles Dunkin was outnumbered by his French wife, Soazik, and their 16-month-old son, Thibault, who were both wearing French jerseys at Wellington's Alliance Francaise headquarters yesterday.

Mr Dunkin, not feeling "particularly flash", said he had accepted his son not supporting the All Blacks. "Soazik decided to stay in New Zealand because of our relationship so it's the least I can do to let the boy support France."

But as the full-time whistle blew dad was gutted, mum was ecstatic and Thibault just bemused.

At the home of the French language and culture organisation, about 60 people watched the match on two big screens. Moments before the end, many burst into the French national anthem.

Liza Rolleston-Kerr, from Wadestown, wore an All Blacks jersey but admitted being torn. "Today I'm All Blacks, but I love France and I love the French."

Arlette Bilounga has lived in Wellington for a year and was cheering for black. "I'm so disappointed. I can't possibly believe that France could have beaten the All Blacks in the quarterfinal."

French Ambassador Michel Legras, who saw the game in Paris, said emotionally he was on the French side but logically on the All Blacks'. "For once emotion was stronger than logic."

- © Fairfax NZ News