All Blacks aim for 'integrated' rugby against French
New Zealand look to combine running and kicking games with the return of their playmaker in third test against the French
The All Blacks have the series in the bag but they still want more from their "integrated" style with the return of ace pivot Dan Carter for the third test against France today.
Despite winning 23-13 in Auckland before shutting out France 30-0 in Christchurch, assistant coach Ian Foster said they were still a long way from the balanced running-kicking game they desire.
"The key for us now is learning how to integrate both styles," Foster said ahead of the final match in New Plymouth.
The return of playmaker Carter, who missed the first two tests because of a broken hand, is one of five changes to the All Blacks while France, desperate to avoid a whitewash, have made eight.
When Aaron Cruden directed play in the first two tests, the All Blacks favoured a running game first up before switching to a more successful kicking tactic a week later.
Carter, with his vision and experience, is expected to mix up the plays and deny France any sense of predictability.