WELLINGTON — Pragmatism rather than panache seems to be the hallmark of French rugby these days.

For many years, France was a team renowned for its flowing, often dazzling, back play. But these days, the famous 1994 “try from the end of the world” is nothing more than a hazy memory, as conservatism and pragmatism have taken hold.

The 1994 try, against New Zealand in Auckland, epitomized everything about French flair. Philippe Saint-André, now the coach of France, set up a length-of-the-field attack in which the ball passed through at least eight pairs of hands before Jean-Luc Sadourny touched down in the corner.

It was a far cry from the type of rugby France now plays under Saint-André.

Since its 8-7 loss to New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup final two years ago, France has gone backward.

Under Saint-André, who took over from Marc Lièvremont after the rollercoaster World Cup campaign in which France lost to Tonga in the pool stages but then almost upstaged New Zealand in the final, Les Bleus have managed just seven victories and two draws in their past 18 internationals.