All Blacks v France: Irish loss prompts reset for wounded NZ side with French on horizon

Ireland’s victory at Dublin has produced a blueprint on how to beat Ian Foster's All Blacks - deny them possession, hurry them into mistakes when they do have the ball and make your tackles.

France will hope to replicate this simple equation this weekend at Paris, as they look to inflict one last taste of defeat on a New Zealand side that has been on the road for more than three months.

Former captain Sam Cane watched on helplessly last Sunday morning (NZ time), as his teammates were outplayed and out-passioned by an inspired Irish side that didn't allow the All Blacks to implement any type of gameplan.

Will Jordan was one of the bright sparks against Ireland
Will Jordan was one of the bright sparks against Ireland Photo credit: Getty Images
All Blacks v France: Irish loss prompts reset for wounded NZ side with French on horizon
Photo credit: Getty Images

Cane, 29, admits they were beaten by a better side at Aviva Stadium and outside two clinical pieces of play, their attack had no answer to Ireland's green wall.

The flanker says Monday's review was brutally honest - the All Blacks got dealt to.

"There is frustration, disappointment and a bit of anger, but that's all centered around the fact we got outplayed and got it handed to us," Cane says.

"The guts of it was we didn't hold the ball well and got smacked behind the gain-line. We went away from what we are good at, which is putting defences on the backfoot and running at the gain-line. 

"You look at Will Jordan's try - that's an example of what we do well, two quick phases and playing heads-up rugby.

"There were individual errors and poor decision-making that got brought up in front of the team, and that's never easy, but if you view it as a moment of growth, that can be a good springboard for us to put on a performance we can be proud of."

The fresh challenge of France - a side New Zealand hasn't played in more than three years - brings an opportunity to end a disrupted 2021 campaign on a winning note.

Cane noted a real intensity at training on Tuesday and a switch in focus, putting to bed the demons of Dublin.

"We are disappointed with that result, but the mood and energy has lifted since the review.

"Having all that pointed out to us and identifying the key areas we didn't get right, and having focus around how we can get better, it produced a really good training session this afternoon.

"Guys are in good spirits and excited to have an opportunity to put some wrongs right this weekend."

With an exciting core of players and the goal of winning a home World Cup in 2023, Les Blues don’t fear this All Blacks side.

One of those stars is outstanding halfback Antoine Dupont, nominated for World Rugby's Player of the Year.

The French attack goes through the combative No.9, who has a tremendous kicking game and is dynamic with ball in hand.

Cane says Dupont deserves his status as one of the best players in the world.

"His speed of delivery is first class, but he is also a constant threat with the ball and that creates space for others around him, because you have to put so much attention on him defensively. 

"There's going to be a big job for our guys around the ruck this weekend to limit his opportunities."

Cane hopes he has done enough in limited game-time to earn a start on Sunday morning.

Dalton Papalii's tremendous form in 2021 has relegated Cane from not just the No.7 jersey, but the captaincy as well.

But now fully fit from a nasty pectoral injury that kept him sidelined for seven months, the openside flanker is raring to earn his place back.

"I'm doing really well," Cane says. "I've really enjoyed the last month away with the team and I felt like I put my hand up to play one of these last two tests, after a 80-minute performance against Italy. 

"Whether that happens or not, we will have to wait and see. All I can do is put my hand up and show I am up to it again."

Join us from 9am Sunday for live updates of the All Blacks v France