Revenge not France's agenda - Noves
A nine-try demolition at the hands of the All Blacks sent France packing at last year's World Cup, and Guy Noves has shut out talk of it.
Revenge is not on the mind of France as they prepare to face New Zealand in Paris on Saturday, says coach Guy Noves.
When the two teams last met 12 months ago, the All Blacks came out victorious with a comprehensive 62-13 quarter-final victory.
Julian Savea led the rout with a stunning hat-trick of tries, three of nine that the eventual world champions would score as they romped into the last four at the Millennium Stadium.
Gaining vengeance for that loss is the last thing on Noves' mind, though, as his side look to bounce back from their 25-23 defeat to Australia last weekend.
"We have not talked about revenge this week," he said. "This kind of behaviour is good at times, sparingly, and in a specific context.
"When you play the All Blacks, whether you're seeking revenge or not, if you need to be seeking revenge to perform at this level, frankly that's bad news.
"The simple fact of putting on this jersey to represent France must be the driving force of our motivation."