Rugby: French to up their aggression

By Chris Rattue

The French rugby side want to raise their aggression level against New Zealand A in Hamilton on Sunday as they attempt to erase the memory of their shock loss to Tonga.

The French arrived in Auckland yesterday and trained at the Manukau club ground in preparation for the match in Hamilton, and the test against the All Blacks at Athletic Park next Saturday.

They have have a major injury concern over star forward Abdel Benazzi (ankle), while inspirational first five-eighths Thomas Castaignede also has an ankle problem.

France had a poor Five Nations tournament and while their top side beat Manu Samoa in a spiteful match in Apia, the second-stringers lost 16-20 to Tonga in Nuku'alofa.

The side to play New Zealand A will be named this morning and is expected to include a blend of test and second-string players, with coach Jean-Claude Skrela not wanting the 30-man squad to be split.

Skrela and captain Raphael Ibanez both called for an increase in "physical engagement" after the loss to Tonga.

"Over the last three years we have had bad injury problems at vital times for French rugby, but at the moment I'm more concerned about getting our aggression right than the injuries," Skrela said through an interpreter last night.

"During the second half against Tonga we did get some of our good rugby back but our physical engagement was just not good enough to win.

"We're going to prepare for the New Zealand A game as if it was a test. The players will have to fight like it is a test match.

"French players bounce back from these situations and I'm expecting them to do something fantastic on Sunday.

"You have to give your maximum intensity for 80 minutes and against Tonga, we did not.

"The players feel embarrassed by the loss. It is up to them to find the will from within."

French medical staff were checking over the injuries again last night but Benazzi is apparently doubtful for the test match.

France are also without a number of test players, including halfback Philippe Carbonneau (knee), loose forward brothers Thomas and Mark Lievremont (shoulders), lock Olivier Brouzet (back) and centre Stephane Glas (lower leg), but they are expected to recover for the World Cup.

* Flanker Scott Robertson could still play a major part in New Zealand A's plans against France, despite his call-up to replace Andrew Blowers in the All Black squad.

If Robertson does not play a major part in tonight's test, he will still take the field in Hamilton.

However, if Robertson has significant test time, Glen Marsh will take his place in the New Zealand A starting line-up, with Kupu Vanisi joining the reserves.