Wynne Gray: French fly under the radar

Mathieu Bastareaud and his troops have been keeping a low profile since arriving for their tour of New Zealand. Photo / Photosport

Not a word out of the French since they touched down midweek for their test series with the All Blacks.

There was footage of the unmistakable captain Mathieu Bastareaud leading his squad through the airport but nothing since as they prepare for their first trip in five years.

If the French and coach Jacques Brunel wanted to deflect attention they timed their arrival perfectly with New Zealand rugby followers focused on other issues.

An expanding list of injuries, last night's duel in Dunedin and tonight's showdown between the Chiefs and Crusaders had to be negotiated then All Black training and medicals before the side could be announced for the Eden Park start to the series.

Much has been made of France leaving senior men behind but they have six players back from 2013 - Bastareaud, fellow backs Gael Fickou, Wesley Fofana and Maxime Medard with two forwards Yoann Maestri and Bernard Le Roux while the All Blacks have five who began that series.

Man of the match Ben Smith, Aaron Smith, Sam Cane, Brodie Retallick and Owen Franks started with Beauden Barrett in the reserves as the All Blacks worked through to a 23-13 victory.

Unless you consistently track the French rugby scene then your knowledge of the form and calibre of their players will be hand-me-down information.

The All Blacks have been keeping close tabs and assistant coach Ian Foster pointed to their resurgent physical impact in the Six Nations and a change in style. Those who got a first test start would be motivated to take their chances with others on duty this weekend in the Top 14 final in Paris.

So is the New Zealand rugby media not interested in France, don't know about them or are being diverted to competing Super Rugby and All Black issues?

Is it arrogance, ignorance or a case of a response to demands which show a much greater spike for New Zealand content?

When the All Blacks have built the record they have under Steve Hansen and continue to produce high-quality players, it's hard to believe they will be troubled by more than a top-line of rivals.

On their day and maybe more on their home turf, the Springboks, Wallabies, Ireland, England, Wales and Argentina fit into that category.

France gained some traction in the Six Nations under Brunel's guidance where the improvement showed with a win against England and slim losses to Ireland and Wales. The playing style has begun to dovetail with the administrative support for Brunel from his old mate and FFR president Bernard Laporte.

Those issues were crucial to the side's progress in their European backyard but travelling at the end of a long season to play the All Blacks on their home dirt is a very different challenge.

From afar there would have been strong expectation but coverage from under the roof in Dunedin last night and this evening from Hamilton will deliver a new understanding of reality television.