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The All Blacks say variety in attack will be needed to beat France for a third time, believing a kick-heavy approach won’t work again.
New Zealand will clinch a three-Test series clean sweep against France for the first time since 1968 if victorious at New Plymouth on Saturday.
While All Blacks coach Steve Hansen would like his team to improve to the same degree as they did between the first Test in Auckland (won 23-13) and the second in Christchurch (30-0), he suspects that could be unrealistic against the proud tourists.
Success at Christchurch was built on a strategy to turn France around via a host of tactical kicks.
While veteran five-eighth Dan Carter – who replaces Aaron Cruden in one of five changes – will be called on to play for territory, Hansen doesn’t think it will be as effective in the series finale.
“I don’t think France will give us the back field as easily as they did last time,” he said.
“It’s all about space, rugby. You’ve got to go forward and find the space. You either find it by running into it, passing into it or kicking into it.
“If we can integrate our kicking and running games and take the right options at the right time, I’ll be really pleased.”
In Christchurch, the All Blacks kept France scoreless for the first time in 53 Tests.
Hansen says the scoreline didn’t reflect another bold challenge from the tourists, who he suspects will have been stinging all week, especially at letting the scoreline balloon through two brilliant long-range team tries in the second half to Ben Smith and Beauden Barrett.
“Apart from two particularly outstanding tries, they were still in the game right throughout it.
“We got better at the breakdown but we’re still not perfect there by any stretch of the imagination,” he said.
Hansen’s men completed their last training run for more than a month in crisp conditions on Friday, a far cry from the freezing temperatures of their Thursday run.
Their next training run is a two-day camp from July 31, heading into the first match of the Rugby Championship against Australia in Sydney on August 17.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.