New Zealand back-rower Kieran Read has warned his fellow All Blacks that they must be ready, if they are to avoid another quarter-final defeat in the Rugby World Cup at the hands of France.

The All Blacks, as they are now, went into that game in 2007 as the number one team on the planet, but were beaten 20-18 at the Millenium Stadium by Les Bleus.

However, Read is keen that he and his teammates do not suffer the same fate in Cardiff on Saturday.

"We are preparing for the top French team to turn up this weekend and I'm sure that's what we are going to get," Read told reporters.

"They have been playing some pretty good rugby throughout this World Cup and they have some pretty good leaders.

"We have two teams that are very passionate about World Cup rugby and it's going to be one hell of a battle."

New Zealand narrowly beat France 8-7 in the final, to win the 2011 World Cup on home turf.