"Against Argentina, we lacked enjoyment, we didn't smile," he told journalists.

"To play in Toulouse will be enjoyable of course but the real pleasure comes when we play right, when we play with a smile.

"It comes from a good tackle, from a good counter-attack. It comes when we win and score tries not when the team is out of tune. And we played out of tune against Argentina."

After its 17-12 defeat to the Pumas at the Stade de France in the opening match of the Rugby World Cup, the hosts need to win their next three matches and collect bonus points against Namibia, Ireland and Georgia to avoid early elimination from Pool D or a quarter-final clash with the All Blacks in Cardiff.

"The defeat brought us down to earth. Maybe we needed it. If we can recover from such a failure it will be a good omen for the future," Michalak said.

"To be selected in the World Cup squad was already a pleasure because during the rehabilitation of my knee I was afraid my career was over.

"To be in the starting line-up is the greatest pleasure of all. Now the truth will come from the pitch. We know that if we lose against Namibia or Ireland we'll watch the quarterfinals on television," he said.

"But we haven't lost the World Cup yet," he added. "On Sunday, we'll have to be patient, not to attempt impossible things and if we play true, if we play our game with composure and determination, we'll have no worries.