The All Blacks are bracing for a rugged battle up front when they take on France in the first rugby Test in Auckland on Saturday night.
Skipper Kieran Read sees the French turning to one of their traditional strengths in their bid to gain dominance at Eden Park.
“I’m expecting a massive challenge, especially up front,” he said.
“I think they’ve been working away on their scrum and it’s always their biggest threat.”
France will have the edge in experience between the starting fronts rows.
The All Blacks have a combined 59 caps among hooker Dane Coles, loosehead prop Wyatt Crockett and tighthead Owen Franks, with Coles getting his first start in his fifth Test.
France’s trio of Dimitri Szarzewski, Thomas Domingo and Luc Ducalcon have total of 107 appearances, with Szarzewski claiming the bulk of them with 69.
Behind them, there are two big, though relatively new, locks in Yoann Maestri and Sebastien Vahaamahina.
While unpredictable is an adjective much used to describe the Tricolores, Read expressed a consistency of attitude towards them.
“We always respect the French and expect them to be on their game in every Test,” he said.
“We know they’ve been sitting in wait for a long time for this.”
The Test, part of a three-match series, will be the first time the two nations have met since New Zealand won the 2011 World Cup final by a solitary point.
It is being played on the 100th anniversary of rugby’s arrival at Eden Park, a ground where the All Blacks haven’t lost since 1994, when the French, with present coach Philippe Saint-Andre as captain, beat them.
It will also be Read’s first home Test as captain as he deputises for regular skipper Richie McCaw, who is completing his sabbatical.
The 27-year-old No.8 has led the All Blacks once before in his 48 Tests, against Italy on the 2012 end-of-year tour.
Coach Steve Hansen is predicting that the tourists’ “monster forward pack” will try to impose themselves physically.
“They will come and try and bully us, and take us on up front,” he said.
France will go in as underdogs, which Hansen believes will make them even more dangerous.
“The hardest time to combat them is when everyone writes them off,” he said.
“Whether that’s because subconsciously you as a team start listening to the media or all the voices, I’m not sure, but they always put in good performances when they’re not expected to.”
DR
Guest
Coles will be fine mate. Even if he is a Poneke boy like your mate nisbett :)
atlas
Guest
had it running sound-off, then realised it was in French. Anthem now unsure who I'll get commentary Setanta Hong Kong guessing it's standard NZ team At least with Reds match know I have a choice.
Carl Pieters
Guest
Picamoles will destroy him - even if his pack is struggling (which they shouldn't... Coles? Lmfao) Picamoles is one of the most damaging runners alongside Alberts in world rugby. Read has to run at angles to make up for his lack of strength.
Carl Pieters
Guest
Eugh, have to listen to Nisbit commentating now... what an old cow.
DR
Guest
+1 he is a worry for me.
Well Ruck me.
Guest
With Crockett packing down it could get messy.
Well Ruck me.
Guest
Yeah thats France. 1 min they are losing to Italy and Tonga, the next min theyre thrashing Aust and beating NZ. I expect NZ to win by 15.
WEST
Roar Guru
France have .....Dusautoir, hes the French McCaw, the Dark Destroyer after 07 he become legend. All Blacks must neutralise him immediately. All Blacks are very vulnerable with no Carter no McCaw and with a new breed and limited preparation this is a good a chance as ever to break down the Eden fortress. All Blacks to save there reputation must throw it all into this or pay a heavy price.
Well Ruck me.
Guest
Im looking forward to seeing how Dagg responds to his poor form. In my opinion he has lost the world 15 spot to Halfpenny. Can Dagg take it back? Halfpenny has a brilliant goal kicking game, which Dagg doesnt but Dagg has x factor. I imagine that depending on the coach, both styles would be picked as the best. At the moment I would pick Halfpenny and a few others above Dagg (including B.Smith) but Im hoping Dagg does what Dagg does best and that is "wow" everybody.
moaman
Roar Guru
Just read this on PR--wanted to share " What we will see is a clash between two teams in the midst of evolution: one that is still trying to find its feet, against one that never really stopped running. " I think that is prose even KPM would admire ;-) ps Guys! Enjoy the night of rugby! The 'curtain-raiser' should be a cracker....hope the main is just as good!
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Yep agree WRM, that's a fair assessment.
mbgrice
Guest
Everyone said that during RWC 2011 with them having internal fights. Who lost to to the All Blacks by one point in the final. The French are always a threat no matter what has happened.
Yeah they. Did, how often do the Franch no front up when the play NZ though. This could be a blow ot score for Nz or it could be a tight match.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Thats a yes for me dc, would have the same trio of n8.
atlas
Guest
agree re the rust, worst start - and it's happened before - 10 down after 10 minutes till they get up steam. Hoping for a good one from Dagg - while he's been off the pace, he's not past it as some might think. Turned 25 on Thursday and has had just 3 seasons at international level - already a veteran!, seems to have been around longer . . or is it just me?
Well Ruck me.
Guest
I dont agree with France paying $8 but I do think NZ are favs. Id say I would give NZ a 75% chance of winning. I think thats fair, saying France has a 1 in 4 chance.
dcnz
Guest
Picamoles vs Read could be a cracker of a contest. Two best 8's in the world, along with Parisse?
dcnz
Guest
Picamoles vs Read could be a cracker of a contest. Two best 8's in the world, along with Parisse?
deanB
Guest
French have had 5 tests this year, then euro club stuff. All Blacks will need to shake out the rust quick smart for this one. The missed tackles and poor handling that has plagued the nz conference can't be carried into this test. Could be a nail biter.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
yes but they also lost to Tonga 2 weeks before the rwc final and we know what happened. The wallabies have lost to quite a few teams too in the last couple of years yet they wouldnt start at $8.00 if they were playing the ABs tonight. But i get what you mean, stats do not favor us, fair enough.