Thomson: Hoping to face France

Thomson, who can cover across the back row, has been struggling with an ankle injury since the 37-17 pool victory over Les Bleus.

But having come through training in wet and slippery conditions in Auckland unscathed, Thomson is hoping to be part of the New Zealand side when it is announced on Friday.

"I remember sitting here two weeks ago and saying I was right, so I have to be a bit careful," Thomson said.

"It's coming along well, I trained on it today and it felt pretty good so we'll see how it pulls up over the next few days.

"It's been very frustrating. Obviously a World Cup tournament is the highlight of your career and unfortunately it's an injury that fell in the weeks that I would have loved to be out there but I've just got to look after it and stay positive."

Thomson is likely to have to settle for a place on the bench, where he will be joined by Sonny Bill Williams despite his indiscretion against Australia.

The former rugby league international was sin-binned after just three minutes on the pitch for a shoulder charge.

However Williams admits he is relishing the chance to face France, having initially cross codes to play for Top 14 outfit Toulon.

"The whole dream was to come back and play in the World Cup. Hopefully I get to stay in the squad, first and foremost. To get out there on Sunday would be a dream come true," he said.

"Playing against them in France, you can play against one side one week, and then play against them a couple of weeks later and they're a different team.

"Past form means nothing. We played pretty well against them last time, but that means nothing."