France head into the second Test confident that they can topple the All Blacks in Christchurch if they take their best game with them.

The Tricolores put up a stiff challenge in Auckland last weekend before succumbing 23-13 in the opening match of the three-Test series.

Seasoned playmaker Frederic Michalak says the French came away convinced they got close to pulling off a famous victory.

But they are also banking on the All Blacks getting better, and they want to improve their work in the scrums and line-outs and make sure they take their chances.

“We know we need to be the best everywhere on the field, in the set piece and one-against-one, and we need to put points on in the 22,” he said.

“If we do that, I think we can win.”

Michalak was one of eight players who arrived in New Zealand only four days before the first Test because of their participation in the French Top 14 final.

But he and Toulon teammate Maxime Mermoz backed up by coming off the bench at Eden Park.

The pair also played in the 38-15 win over the Blues on Tuesday night, with Michalak again a substitute.

The workload doesn’t worry the halfback or five-eighth, who is just happy to be wearing the national colours.

Michalak made his Test debut in 2001 and played in the 2003 and 2007 World Cups.

But during a four-year period in which he earned just four caps and spent time playing for Durban-based Super Rugby side the Sharks, he missed the cut for the 2011 tournament.

He was recalled in 2012 by new French coach Philippe Saint-Andre and played in all five rounds of this year’s Six Nations.

“I take care of every second I’m here because I know the jersey is not mine,” he said.

“It could go tomorrow, so I do my best to keep it on me.”

At 32, Michalak believes there is still plenty of rugby in him and the 2015 World Cup is a target.

“Of course I’m looking forward for that,” he said.

“I’ll try to train well to stay in this team now.”