The All Blacks dominated France with a resounding 43-17 victory in Wellington, securing an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the three-match series in front of a packed stadium.
In a match where the All Blacks showcased their prowess, they scored six tries to France’s two, despite the French team making significant changes from the previous test in Dunedin.
New Zealand initiated the scoring with a clever line-out move that caught the French defense off guard, allowing halfback Cam Roigard to score the first try of the match effortlessly.
Although the All Blacks faced a setback when Beauden Barrett received a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on, France managed to only narrow the gap with a penalty goal, trailing 10-3. However, the All Blacks swiftly responded, extending their lead with Ardie Savea scoring a try in the left corner from a successful lineout maul.
As tensions rose, both teams saw players sent to the sin bin, with France’s Joshua Brennan and New Zealand’s Codie Taylor each receiving yellow cards. Despite the temporary setbacks, the All Blacks continued their dominance, with Tupou Vaa’i scoring an impressive team try before halftime, leading 29-3.
In the second half, France made strategic substitutions that paid off with a try from Leo Barre. However, the All Blacks maintained their lead with Will Jordan and Rieko Ioane scoring further tries, solidifying their victory at 43-17.
The All Blacks’ outstanding performance sets the stage for an exciting final test in Hamilton next weekend.
