Possible Bok clash is a 'World Cup final' for France coach Galthie

France coach Fabien Galthie said his team is focused on playing another "World Cup final" after securing their place in the knock-out stages with an eight-try thumping of Italy on Friday.

The tournament hosts completed a perfect pool stage record with their 60-7 thrashing of a team who ran them close less than eight months ago in the Six Nations.

France are widely expected to face reigning champions South Africa in the quarter-finals next weekend but could face world number one Ireland, or even Scotland.

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And having already overcome one of the pre-tournament favourites in New Zealand in their opening Pool A match, Galthie said every game from now on will be like a final.

"Having played one World Cup final against New Zealand in the opening match, now we have another one," said the head coach.

"I'm delighted to have stamped this qualification but our next appointment is on Sunday (October 15) and is another World Cup final."

Galthie would not be drawn on who he either expects to face or would like to face, nor was he prepared to say much about any potential opponents.

For him, it is the occasion that matters more than the challenge presented by the specific opponents.

"On one side [of the draw], the reigning world champions .... and on the other side, the world number one team," said Galthie.

"The draw did its job, now it's up to us to do ours."

This victory was secured off the back of a dominant pack who routinely softened up Italy's defence before allowing the scintillating French backs to exploit gaps out wide.

Seven of France's eight tries were scored by backs, but every time it was the