"I thought why not, I can still play Super rugby afterwards. I signed for three months and enjoyed it so much, I ended up staying," he said.
The French have never considered a test against the All Blacks as a normal game, it was an atmosphere which was difficult to explain.
"I am sure we will get excited. We have been working hard and if I get on the field it will be special to play the All Blacks. All the young guys want to show something."
After a poor Six Nations, France wanted to redeem themselves across the three-test series in Auckland, Christchurch and New Plymouth.
Messages from the coaching staff to the young squad have been about building the group's experience and style towards the next World Cup.
It was not all development though, France wanted to "give the All Blacks a good run for their money too".
"Our experienced guys are helping out the younger ones, we are training hard and trying a new style of play."