Opportunity Knocks for France's New Wave in Dunedin

Down on experience they may be, but opportunity beckons for those players representing France in their three-Test Lipovitan-D series starting in Dunedin on Saturday.

Hooker Pierre Bourgarit, 27, is determined to take his chance. He toured New Zealand with France in 2018 but has been dogged by injuries since, playing only 14 Tests.

He is familiar with the demands of playing in New Zealand. He told Midi Olympique,

"When I was little, New Zealand was the team that made my eyes sparkle. This isn't the first time I've played them. I was here seven years ago.

"I was 20 years old, playing against the All Blacks and I took it calmly. It went pretty well for me in Wellington. I played about 20 minutes, and even made a small break."

While the All Blacks have a tradition of slow starts to their Test seasons, Bourgarit was wary.

"They won't have their characteristic cohesion, but we mustn't focus on that. We won't have it either, as we're a team in the process of construction and need to focus on our goals.

"If we get thrashed three times, everyone will say it's normal. But we didn't come here for that. We don't have a lot of experience, but we're all very determined."

Fellow hooker Gaetan Barlot said Dunedin would feel a bit strange, especially with little French support among the crowd attending.

"The All Blacks have had a little dip, but they're coming back strong and will want to set the tone in this first Test. We want to be ready. A lot of noise is being made on social media that they want to be competitive and to play at speed. There is some disappointment in our lineup, but we don't let that worry us.

"It's been the same on summer tours for the past three or four years.

"We know they start with a lot of speed and pressure in the early stages of their matches. It's one of their strong points, so we will have to be there from the outset to be competitive throughout.

"I'm looking forward to it because New Zealand is the land of rugby and it's their home ground."

Seven Test first five-eighths/fullback Antoine Hastoy, who is looking to resurrect his Test career on tour, said they have been well prepared with information about the All Blacks in their recent games.

"It's a new international season for them, but we know what to expect. They hold the ball a lot and they are a quality team."

France will aim to confine the All Blacks to their half of the field.

"We'll try to keep them away from our line and spend as much time as possible in their half. But we also have good rugby players, we know how to play the ball."

Find out where to watch All Blacks v France around the world HERE.

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