France rugby staged a heroic victory earlier this week when it defeated New Zealand 27-22, boosting its players’ morale after having beaten a formidable opponent.

The loss prompted New Zealand to make crucial changes on its starting lineup for its upcoming Test this coming weekend at Wellington.

Starters include Conrad Smith, Jerome Kaino and Tanerau Latimer, who will become a starter for the first time. Latimer reportedly replaces Adam Thomson who will be sidelined for the next six weeks due to a broken hand.

Graham Henry, the team’s coach, said that the team gets its much needed morale boost following the return of both Kaino and Smith in the lineup after injury breaks.

He added that the loss against the France rugby team only propelled the team’s resolve to make massive improvements in its upcoming matches.

Meanwhile, the French team expressed its confidence in staging another win in the next match. The team won its first Test in New Zealand for the past 15 years. Team’s assistant coach Emile Ntamack said that they’re ready to face the formidable team this Saturday.

The France rugby team will reveal its team lineup later this week.