South African-born French flanker Bernard Le Roux has bitten back at the criticism levelled at the All Blacks after their unconvincing 26-13 win over the short-handed tourists at Wellington.
France were reduced to 14 men, after winger Bejamin Fall was red-carded for a dangerous high-ball challenge in the 11th minute, but bravely battled until the final whistle, never allowing their rivals to drive home their advantage.
While New Zealand fans have been scathing of their own team's lack of dominance, Le Roux insists his side has not received enough credit for their dogged performance.
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"I find that a bit disrespectful against us," he told media on Thursday, before 'Le Bleus' flew from Auckland to Dunedin for the third and final test of the series.
"I think we had a good game as well, we put a lot of pressure on them.
"It's not that they were bad - they're the best team in the world. They gave it all and we gave it all, it was a tough game and that will be same this weekend."
French coach Jacques Brunel has made only two changes to his second-test combination, replacing midfielders Mathieu Bastareaud – the tour captain - and Geoffrey Doumayrou with Remi Lamerat and Wesley Fofana.
Halfback Morgan Parr will lead the team at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
Le Roux dismissed the notion that a vastly changed All Blacks line-up would tip the scales in favour of France, who had shown themselves extremely competitive – possibly the better team – when they were able to keep their players on the field.
The opening test at Eden Park was locked at 11-11 early in the second half, when lock Paul Gabrillagues was wrongly yellow-carded for a high tackle that never ventured above the shoulders.
The All Blacks ran in two tries during his absence and were knocking on the door of a third when he returned to the field, piling on 44 unanswered points over the second 40 minutes.
"They've got a massive squad and good character players in every position," insisted Le Roux. "I won’t say the bench is better than the starting team, but they're just as good.
"I think they have quality players everywhere and good back-up players. There's not really a b side with the all blacks."
But he admitted the French had pinpointed discipline as a key work-on this week, given their previous run-ins with the referees.
"It would certainly help if we have one player more. We have to keep our discipline, play with 15 players for 80 minutes and just give it a hard go.
"Anything can happen," said Le Roux. "I always say you don't beat the All Blacks because you're better than them – you have to have some luck, a bounce of the ball, some extra flair and you get things right.
"It’s the last game of the season, so we can empty the tanks and just go hard out.
"I’ve had a long season, played European Cup final and semi-final of Top 14, but I haven't won anything. A victory against the All Blacks could change that season for a lot of us."
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