Les Bleus were beaten by the All Blacks on successive Saturdays, first in Lyon 47-3 and then in Paris 23-11, as Graham Henry's team confirmed their status as the side to beat in next year's World Cup.

France did show a marked improvement in the second Test and ended up completing their autumn series with a narrow 27-26 victory against Argentina.

Pelous feels the experience gained from playing against New Zealand will be important for his team.

'I think the Tests are going to be beneficial to us, as they showed us what we need to do from now on,' said the Toulouse lock.

'Contrary to what people said, compared to being swept aside 45-6 the year before, I did not have this feeling this time round. We were just murdered for losing some ball.'

Pelous is also confident New Zealand can be stopped in their tracks, with the World Cup now just nine months away.

'The All Blacks are at an advanced stage, but they are only three or four players ahead of the rest - some of the back row, the wingers and (fly-half Daniel) Carter,' he added in L'Equipe.

Meanwhile, France winger Christophe Dominici could have played his last game this year after injuring his right knee in Stade Francais' Heineken Cup win over Sale at the weekend.

Dominici scored two superb first-half tries against the Sharks, but suffered the injury moments before the interval and did not reappear after the break.

He is definitely out of the return match between the two sides at Edgeley Park this Sunday, and Stade coach Fabien Galthie may decide not to risk his star three-quarter until the new year.

The injury should not endanger Dominici's participation in the RBS 6 Nations Championship, which begins at the start of February.