Rugby Union: France ready for backlash: All Blacks defend proud record
FRANCE go in search of a historic first series win in New Zealand tomorrow while bracing themselves for a strong performance by the All Blacks.
Last Sunday's surprise 22-8 first Test victory in Christchurch was only their second ever in New Zealand. A series win would be their first against the All Blacks - home or away - and the first New Zealand loss at home since the Australian tour of 1986. But Guy Laporte, the French manager, said: 'They have their backs to the wall - we know how it feels because we have been in the situation more times than the All Blacks.'
Philippe Sella, who played his 100th Test last weekend, said: 'I know it will be hell because they're proud of their rugby, their religion.'
Laurie Mains, the New Zealand coach, has made two changes, with Stephen Bachop, of Otago, replacing stand-off Simon Mannix - who fumbled several times under pressure in the first Test - and Arran Pene, the No 8, making way for the experienced Zinzan Brooke.
FRANCE: J-L Sadourny; E Ntamack, P Sella, P Saint-Andre (capt), T Lacroix; C Deylaud, G Accoceberry; C Califano, J-M Gonzalez, L Benezech, O Roumat, O Merle, A Benazzi, L Cabannes, P Benetton.
NEW ZEALAND: J Timu; J Kirwan, F Bunce, J Lomu, M Cooper; S Bachop, S Forster; R Loe, S Fitzpatrick (capt), O Brown, M Cooksley, B Larsen, I Jones, M Brewer, Z Brooke.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies