France superstar Dupont says side need to lift for clash with New Zealand

Dupont urges France to improve for 'huge challenge' against the All Blacks

France scrum-half Antoine Dupont has urged his side to raise their standards against New Zealand on Saturday, after they were 'far from the level' required in their win over Italy.

Dupont was speaking after France's 29-24 win over the Azzurri in Rome, a match in which they led 29-10 at one stage but were pegged back in the final 15 minutes.

"We are happy with the win, but we know we were far from the level we want to be at," Dupont said.

"We made too many mistakes and we gave away too many penalties. We need to be better against New Zealand."

France will host the All Blacks at the Stade de France on Saturday in a highly anticipated clash between two of the world's top sides.

The match will be a huge test for France, who have not beaten New Zealand since 2011.

"We know it will be a huge challenge," Dupont said.

"They are the best team in the world and we will need to be at our best to beat them."

"We need to lift our level and we need to be more disciplined."

"We need to give everything we have on Saturday because we know that if we do, we can win."