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NEW Zealand has advanced to the semi finals of its Rio Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Manila but now must win both of its remaining games to join the Boomers at the Games.

Only the Qualifying Tournament winner – there are three tourneys being played around the world featuring six national teams apiece – will go on to Rio though, where Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, Lithuania, Nigeria, Spain, USA and Venezuela already are entrenched.

The Tall Blacks opened with an 89-80 win over the host Philippines, which was more emotional and tougher than expected.

Not only were the Philippines playing in front of their adoring home fans but also being coached by Tab Baldwin, New Zealand’s most successful international coach.

But the Tall Blacks' 59-66 loss to France means there’s now no margin for error.

San Antonio Spurs pair Boris Diaw (10 pts, 6 rebs) and Tony Parker (6 pts, 1 asst) were not as influential as NBA stars might expect to be, although Diaw was sufficiently a factor as France caught fire.

“It was a tough game for us. We felt it was our own mistakes that cost us the game,” Corey Webster said.

ILI NASTY: NZ's Shae Ili splits the French defence, including Tony Parker and Boris Diaw.

Webster led the Tall Blacks with 21 points and three assists, Mika Vukona grabbing 12 boards.

Having held the French to 38 points over the first three quarters, New Zealand gave up 28 in the last and now faces Canada in the semi final.

The French play Turkey in the rival semi.

Corey Joseph led Canada past Turkey 77-69, with 21 points and five assists.