All Blacks' 'killer instinct' too much for France in test series drubbing
France midfielder Wesley Fofana drives for the try-line in Dunedin.
An exhausted French rugby team have hailed the All Blacks' peerless "killer instinct" as they head home to lick their wounds on the French Riviera beaches.
Midfielder Wesley Fofana - out for the 2017 after two serious injuries - made his international return in France's 49-14 third test defeat in Dunedin last Saturday.
The 30-year-old, who scored a first half try, was rated as France's best back after igniting their attack in the opening stanza from his second five-eighths role.
Wesley Fofana gets a friendly pat from Sonny Bill Williams.
But Fofana told France's Rugby Rama website that the visitors still had some way to go to match the All Blacks.
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"The [All] Blacks are killers.
France hooker Camille Chat looks to beat New Zealand lock Scott Barrett.
"We do not have that instinct yet."
Hooker Camille Chat stood out in general play for France but he said the tourists could not cope with the pace of the game at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
"With [the All Blacks], everything goes faster," he told Rugby Rama.
Camille Chat was exhausted before the start of the third test after a long season in France.
"We are at the end of the season, a little worn [out] and out of breath."
Chat, 22, hailed the All Blacks as "exceptional" but felt France should have slowed the tempo in the second half as the home side ran rampant.
"But it's easier said than done at the end of the match."
The Racing 92 hooker made the most of his three test opportunities with regular captain Guilhem Guirado rested for the tour, but he said he now just wanted to "go on vacation" after a long season.
"This is the first time in my career that I feel so tired before a game. My shoulders hurt, badly everywhere. Mentally and physically, it was hard. I was afraid to hurt myself. But, on that side, it went well."
Chat agreed France had to do some remedial work on their lineout after losing three throws in the first test, two more in the second match and three in Dunedin.
That had put them under pressure, especially with the All Blacks' "exceptional" ability to launch counter attacks.
"It is up to us work in this [area] ... to be more efficient.
"I must rectify some details on my throws."
- Stuff
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