There is a history of rancour and recriminations between France and New Zealand and this summer's Test series promises to be red-hot
The French were in irresistible form last time out, swatting aside Italy on February 23 with a record-setting 73-24 win in Rome that featured 11 tries.
Embracing the dry and sunny Sunday afternoon conditions, the invite to create was eagerly snapped up by two sides who frequently moved the ball, and six tries in a compelling opening half-hour – four to the bonus-point earning French – materialised.
Fabien Galthie has changed four players in his starting XV to take on Italy in Rome on Sunday to the one that lost to England in round two of the Guinness Six Nations, with further changes on the bench.
Toulouse back-row Anthony Jelonch has withdrawn from the France squad with less than two weeks to go until they get their Guinness Six Nations campaign underway against Wales in Paris.
Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack have been included in a 42-man France squad for the upcoming Six Nations tournament.
The French, who defeated New Zealand 30-29 at Stade de France last Saturday, are looking to close out an unbeaten Autumn Nations Series that started with a November 9 win over Japan.
France's uncapped duo of Joshua Brennan and Regis Montagne have dropped out of their 42-man squad as they prepare to face Japan on Saturday at the Stade de France.
France have sent 19 players back to their clubs for the next round of Top 14 action this weekend.
Antoine Dupont has returned to the France XVs squad after missing the first half of 2024 as he focussed on his ultra-successful switch to sevens.