French rugby legend Philippe Sella says 'French flair' is their best shot at winning

Philippe Sella believes France's best shot at defeating the All Blacks is by rediscovering their French flair that devastated teams in the past.

The rugby legend told the Radio Sport Breakfast this morning that the current team needs to get the little things right before they can reinvigorate their attack.

"We need to have basics always for everybody and after we can have inspiration to kick again and to recover again the style we got [sic] in the past," he said.

"The team were organised during the first 50 minutes and maybe after they were tireding [sic] because they weren't getting ball enough during the second half.

"The first thing to do is to have the ball and to get the ball obviously. If New Zealand have too much ball, possession, it will be very hard again."

Philippe Sella runs into a tackle during the Second Test match against New Zealand at Eden Park in 1984. Photo / Getty Images

Sella praised Beauden Barrett for how he reads the game and can vary his attack to suit, he also questioned whether the French lacked the confidence to pull off similar plays.

"He do a few kicks or different plays like he has to do because he watch well. That's something that (we) lack a little bit now," Sella said.

France stunned the All Blacks at Eden Park on Saturday night in the first Test of the June series, heading into the break with a three-point lead.

Critiques were hushed as the French came out strong and matched the All Blacks on every level, taking the most of the opportunities that presented themselves.

Fans were left gobsmacked following a horror-half filled with simple mistakes as the French run into the tunnel for oranges with an 11-8 lead.

The game changed in the second half, however, as the luck started flowing in the other direction.

Ryan Crotty is tackled high. Photo / Getty Images

French lock Paul Gabrillagues was handed down a harsh yellow card and his side suffered one man down before the All Blacks bench ripped them apart.

French rising star Gael Fickou has been tipped to replace injured winger Remy Grosso who replaced Grosso on Saturday night.

The only try-scorer left the field following a collision with Sam Cane and Ofa Tuungafasi which saw the two All Blacks make contact with his head.

Fickou only entered the game for the last 20 minutes, a period dominated by the All Blacks and failed to make his mark on the game.

The 24-year-old is a devastating prospect at 1.91m and 100kg and should get a good opportunity this weekend.

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