Laporte: Gallic flair needs discipline

Mehrtens kicked 29 of his side's points to reach 702 in 46Tests, well ahead of previous record holder Michael Lynagh of Australia who achieved the feat in 54 internationals.

Mehrten's tally of 29 points included nine penalties and a conversion following a try by winger Doug Howlett in the teams' first encounter since the 43-31 upset at Twickenham last year.

Full back Christian Cullen scored the All Blacks' second try after an unopposed run by Jonah Lomu inside the French defence.

'I was pleased with the forwards,' said All Black captainTodd Blackadder.'We made good decisions and we improved in defence.

'We have a lot of respect for the French. It's was a very tough and physical game like we expected. They played with a lot of patience but we knew they would.' The All Blacks lacked confidence in the opening 40 minutes but were boosted by five successful penalties out of five by Mehrtens. After the breakTana Umaga switched to the wing and set up his side's first try by passing to winger Howlett, who crossed the line in the 45th minute. Lomu then initiated the visitors' second try scored by Cullen 20 minutes later.

However, just as they did against the Australians last week, France dominated the match for the last 20 minutes and were rewarded with two tries, the first by substitute Philippe Bernat-Salles in the 78th and the second by captain Fabien Pelous on the final whistle. Fly half Christophe Lamaison, the pivotal player atTwickenham, kicked four penalties and converted both French tries.

The French tried desperately to salvage something in the dying minutes but their efforts fell just short.

Italy coach Brad Johnstone accused his team of playing like amateurs during their 22-17 defeat by Canada on Saturday.

'The players think they are professionals but they play like amateurs,' said Johnstone, whose position is thought to be resting on the outcome of this match and two forthcoming internationals against Romania and New Zealand.

Johnstone, who had fielded an experimental side in this match, also lamented the standard of the domestic game in Italy.

'The standard is so low that we find the pressure is too much at international level,' he said.'I have to work with what I have got and it may take some time.' Italy face New Zealand next and Johnstone was quick to dismiss his side's chances. 'The first thing I will do is get the doctor to give my players an injection of enthusiasm,' he said.'We have a tall order in front of us.' Three Bristol players have been included in Argentina's squad to tour England later this month.

The Pumas will play two matches including aTest match atTwickenham on November 25.

Bristol's scrum half Agustin Pichot, full back Felipe Contepomi and three-quarter Eduardo Simone have all been picked in the squad.