Six Nations rugby champions France are set to try and emulate the All Blacks new style of play according to coach Marc Lievremont.
Lievremont, with French sports daily L'Equipe in an interview, said admitted he watched all four Tri-Nations games so far and had been hugely impressed by the All Blacks.
"At such speed to play such rugby, four matches at such a level and with such an intensity. In the Tri-Nations it is a new trend.
"Certainly it is a result of the new application of the rules that prioritise ball possession. The kicking game is alonely for attacking."
Lievremont believed the All Blacks after two wins over the world champion Springboks and victory over the Wallabies last weekend had not previously hit this level of play since last November in Marseille against France when winning 39-12.
"To produce this style of rugby in three consecutive matches is extremely rare.
"They play a game of three pass phases maximum except when they can complete the action. The ball carrier looks for the contact.
"They are always going forward, always looking to release the ball, always trying to play while defending. The smallest error from the other side is immediately punished."
Lievremont believed the South African's pragmatic and physical style had been overpowered by the All Blacks, adding that "South Africa are not good at the moment".
"Of course, the All Blacks method is the one which we will try to put in place although I don't like to admit it.
"What hurts most is the technical quality of the New Zealanders in every department. Everything stems from that. Our difficulties over the last three years essentially come from that."
Lievremont, with French sports daily L'Equipe in an interview, said admitted he watched all four Tri-Nations games so far and had been hugely impressed by the All Blacks.
"At such speed to play such rugby, four matches at such a level and with such an intensity. In the Tri-Nations it is a new trend.
"Certainly it is a result of the new application of the rules that prioritise ball possession. The kicking game is alonely for attacking."
Lievremont believed the All Blacks after two wins over the world champion Springboks and victory over the Wallabies last weekend had not previously hit this level of play since last November in Marseille against France when winning 39-12.
"To produce this style of rugby in three consecutive matches is extremely rare.
"They play a game of three pass phases maximum except when they can complete the action. The ball carrier looks for the contact.
"They are always going forward, always looking to release the ball, always trying to play while defending. The smallest error from the other side is immediately punished."
Lievremont believed the South African's pragmatic and physical style had been overpowered by the All Blacks, adding that "South Africa are not good at the moment".
"Of course, the All Blacks method is the one which we will try to put in place although I don't like to admit it.
"What hurts most is the technical quality of the New Zealanders in every department. Everything stems from that. Our difficulties over the last three years essentially come from that."
