Savea embraces open-side role against France

Returning to the starting open-side flanker role for the All Blacks against France in Paris on Sunday [NZT] has Ardie Savea happy for the challenge ahead.

He's moved into the position in the wake of Sam Cane's unavailability due to a head injury, with Wallace Sititi starting at No8 and fellow Hurricane Peter Lakai set to make his second appearance for the All Blacks off the bench.

Savea said there were slight differences in the change of position, but he was grateful to have the chance to play whatever task he was given.

Savea said the All Blacks were excited about playing the French, but they were one part of a demanding tour.

"Our mindset on this tour has always been week-by-week, and if we know each week, it puts us in good stead. We've done that against England, Ireland and Japan.

"This week's another Test, and the boys have a lot of energy.

"We've had a good couple of weeks, but, we want to keep the ball rolling. It's been nice coming back to Paris after being here last year for a bit."

They were also aware of their heritage, the connection with Armistice Day, Dave Gallaher and the centennial of the Invincibles.

"We've acknowledged that, and among those men, as well as men before them, there were All Blacks who fought in World War One and died in war. We've touched on that and how special it is to honour them and their families.

"They gave the greatest sacrifice to come over and fight for freedom. We get to honour them by playing the game that our nation loves with a poppy on our shoulder and acknowledge them, because what they did was a lot greater than throwing around a rugby ball."

Hooker Codie Taylor, who suffered a head knock five minutes into the England Test and missed the Ireland Test while going through his HIA protocols, said he is feeling good and has been symptom-free for a long time.

"I'm excited to be back out there. It's a great opportunity against a strong French team. They've got a big forward pack who carry the ball well, build nice momentum for them, and then they've got some pretty silky backs who can throw the ball around.

"They're really good at keeping the ball alive, that typical French rugby flair which is hard to stop if you let it get a roll on.

"Our biggest challenge will be to stop that and take that away from them."

Taylor recalled New Zealand's last win in Paris was in 2017, the game notable as Antoine Dupont's debut for France.

"I remember many of us thinking during and after the game, 'Who was that?' Because he was massive for them, and he's been doing that ever since. He's a massive leader for them, he loves the big occasions, and he's a great player who gets their game going forward. It's going to be another tough challenge to take that away."

Savea backed Taylor's comments and said he was the common denominator in the French success both in XVs with France and Toulouse and Sevens, where France won gold at the Olympics.

"That's a testament to his class. We understand the threat he poses and how he's a key man for the French. Hopefully, with our defence, we have strategies to nullify that.

"But, if we don't front up physically against a big French pack, we allow Antoine Dupont to run the show."

Taylor said the All Blacks have made good strides in how they want to play with and without the ball.

"Defensively, there's been a few challenges playing some pretty classy sides and we've made some really big growth."