New Zealand coach Graham Henry was pleased with his side’s grit and determination as they completed a test clean sweep of France.
The All Blacks claimed a 23-11 win over Les Bleus in Paris, in a match which was a far cry from the flowing match seven days earlier.
Henry said: "We’re delighted to win two tests in France – very pleased.
"It was a much more physical contest than Lyon, France were very confrontational and defended much better and we didn’t play as well as we did last week but it’s a reasonable margin and we’re happy with that.
"We went out with an intention to play free-flowing rugby but it was real test match with a lot of heat on at the tackle areas and as a result the game lost its flow.
"We had a number of opportunities to score which we didn’t because a couple of guys were tackled without the ball, which if they weren’t we would have scored."
Captain Richie McCaw agreed that the game at the Stade de France showed another side to both teams.
"It was definitely a different French team, we expected that and prepared for that – it wasn’t prettiest game but it was a true test match between the two best teams and we’re stoked to get a win in Paris," he said.
"But it was frustrating at breakdown as both teams put the heat on – tacklers were not rolling away and guys were having crack at ball.
"We got isolated a few times and turned ball over and our own mistakes at times didn’t allow us to use the ball."
France coach Bernard Laporte said: "I’m pleased with the spirit, disappointed with the result.
"The players competed well and didn’t expose themselves as much as last week. Unfortunately at 9-5 down we weren’t able to control the game but it was an improvement, that’s the truth.
"It was difficult against such a high quality team as we were unsure how to react in certain situations. We need to bring something extra to the game."
