Despite missing nine key players, France opened the scoring at Te Kaha. Wing Damian Penaud crossed for an easy try early on, exploiting a gap in the All Blacks’ defense. The situation worsened for the hosts when Ruben Love, in his first start at first-five, received a yellow card for a high tackle preceding France’s try.
Even with a player down, the All Blacks struck back with wing Will Jordan executing an impressive try in the right corner. During Love’s absence, Damian McKenzie missed the conversion, allowing France to extend their lead to 10-5 with a penalty.
Once Love returned from the sin bin, the All Blacks gained momentum. Wing Caleb Clarke set up Peter Lakai for a straightforward try, with Love converting for a 12-10 lead midway through the first half.
France regained the lead by capitalizing on a penalty, moving ahead 13-12. However, just before halftime, the All Blacks responded with halfback Cam Roigard scoring their third try, converted by Love, to lead 19-13 at the break.
In the second half, France quickly regained the lead at 20-19 after midfielder Yoram Moefana’s converted try. The All Blacks responded almost immediately, with Roigard scoring again and Love adding the conversion to lead 26-20.
The back-and-forth continued as France appeared to score through centre Fabien Brau-Boirie, but the try was disallowed due to a knock-on, leaving the score at 26-20 for New Zealand.
France soon closed the gap with ThĂ©o AttissogbĂ©’s try, but the missed conversion kept the All Blacks ahead at 26-25 with 20 minutes left.
The All Blacks extended their lead to 29-25 with a penalty. Reserve players Fehi Fineanganofo and Xavier Numia made their test debuts during this period.
Jordan secured his second try of the match, widening the All Blacks’ lead to 34-25. France, however, was not finished, as Matthieu Jalibert scored to narrow the gap to 34-32. Despite the late surge, New Zealand held on for a hard-fought win in the opening test of the season.
The All Blacks’ performance was imperfect, marred by errors and defensive issues, but they managed to secure the victory. They will face Italy next weekend in Wellington.
