French look to inject a little flair

First test: All Blacks v France

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A group of All Blacks fans before the first test against France in Dunedin.

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Not content with bashing the All Blacks up front, France want to inject flair to their repertoire for the second rugby test here on Saturday.

Backs coach Emile Ntamack barely gave his backline a pass mark for their efforts during last Saturday's 27-22 first test triumph in Dunedin and is calling on more of the sort of class displayed by young fullback Maxime Medard.

Reverting back to the traditional French expansive game has been a goal since coach Marc Lievremont succeeded Bernard Laporte 18 months ago.

Ntamack believed progress has been made but there wasn't evidence of it at Carisbrook, in a game dominated by the French pack.

"It was not a great performance from the backs. We played at maybe 60 per cent of what we can do," former French winger Ntamack said today.

"We forgot that we have the weapons to play great rugby too. That's what I want to see in the next game."

Ntamack, who beat defenders with vision and balanced running throughout his 46 tests, said fundamentals such as kicking and defensive pressure were performed well on Saturday.

However, only fullback Medard, 22, shone with a willingness to counter attack and leave New Zealand defenders grasping with deft touches. It was his 70m intercept that won the game late for the tourists.

"It's a good thing for us but we need more than just Maxime Medard," Ntamack said.

"We need the other players doing the same."

Medard is struggling with an ankle injury but French medical staff estimate he will be running freely by Thursday.

Otherwise, changes are unlikely when Lievremont announces his team tomorrow, even though contenders from Perpignan and Clermont Auvergne become available. Those seven players weren't considered for Carisbrook because they had contested the French Top 14 club final a week earlier.

They will find it hard to break into a winning side although two changes are possible.

Exciting Perpignan centre Maxime Mermoz may be introduced for burly 20-year-old Mathieu Bastareaud, who barely touched the ball on Saturday, while Perpignan prop Nicolas Mas could be considered in place of Fabien Barcella.

The French didn't appreciate the arrival of cold wind and rain in the capital today, with Ntamack saying "it is tougher for the mind".

However, he had no doubt the focus would be good come kickoff at Westpac Stadium, with the bonhomie of a first win in New Zealand 15 years quickly put behind them.

"We've forgotten the first game really, really fast," Ntamack said.

"For the All Blacks, it is like a tragedy when you've lost a game – for them and for the country.

"I'm sure the reaction next Saturday will be terrible."

-By DANIEL GILHOOLY of NZPA