Rokocoko's second try was a gem Photos from Christchurch

The Fijian-born youngster made it five tries in two Tests after a first-half treble in a 31-23 victory at Jade Stadium.

But the 19-year-old - who scored twice in last week's 55-3 drubbing of Wales - admitted the French had made life difficult for their hosts.

"It felt good," Rokocoko said. "The opportunities were there and I just took them.

"In the first half we got good go-forward and I was lucky to get the ball in the end.

"But France were very physical and they were up in our faces from the first whistle to the last. They were very passionate but we expected that and we got it."

Rokocoko's second try was a superbly-timed 50m burst onto a deft inside pass from fly-half Carlos Spencer.

They did their homework on our lineouts and that is a bit of a worry NZ skipper Reuben Thorne

But New Zealand struggled to create further opportunities in the second half, and captain Reuben Thorne vented his frustration by getting himself sin-binned for a punch late on.

"It was just one of those things," Thorne said. "It was a bit silly really.

"France played well and we certainly didn't underestimate them," he added. "They threw everything at us but fortunately we held out."

Match report: NZ 31-23 France

Thorne admitted his side will need to improve - particularly in the lineout, where France stole five All Blacks' throws - ahead of their Tri-Nations opener in South Africa on 19 July.

"They did their homework on our lineouts and that is a bit of a worry about our play," Thorne said.. "We'll have to do a bit of work on that, but we'll be right for the Tri-Nations."

France coach Bernard Laporte was upbeat in defeat, despite a third successive Test defeat after two losses in Argentina.

It was a pity we allowed three tries in such a short time France captain Fabien Galthi�

"That was a better performance for us because we were playing such a good team," Laporte said.

"Had we played as well in Argentina we would have won the two Tests.

"This was the best match of the tour and although we didn't win a match on tour, I am very happy."

Captain Fabien Galthi�, who had an influential game, admitted Rokocoko's three-try salvo had been the difference.

"I think the All Blacks had to win because they were the better team," he said.

"We did get better and better but it was a pity that we allowed three tries in such a short time."