Despite a rusty start to the first test, the French team proved their worth and pushed the All Blacks to their limits. The All Blacks were unfortunate to have three potential tries disallowed, but standout performances from Fabian Holland and Will Jordan kept them in the game.
Holland, in his debut for the All Blacks, showcased his skills with a solid defensive display, while Jordan’s two tries highlighted his attacking prowess. Jordie Barrett also made a strong return to the team after his stint in Ireland.
Although the All Blacks showed flashes of brilliance, they also displayed areas that need improvement. Issues with handling, high balls, and direction in attack were evident throughout the match. Losing Sevu Reece early on to a head injury further tested their depth.
The match saw a back-and-forth battle, with France taking an early lead before the All Blacks rallied to score crucial tries. Both teams showed determination and skill, making for an exciting contest.
In the end, Beauden Barrett’s penalty kick secured the victory for the All Blacks, solidifying their status as one of the top teams in international rugby.
Huge improvement needed for next game. Some finishing touches.
Nilan Fonseka could you do better
Nearly lost 4th test in a row to France, and a 2nd string team. Embarrassing.
Paul Alan nearly but unfortunately didn’t 😂
Paul Alan That’s insulting to that French side calling them a second grade test side,
Steven Werahiko oh, it’s their TOP side ? Sorry
Paul Alan ..first game together..and it wasn’t ABs A team
Paul Alan ffs nearly nearly
Paul Alan what would you know
Hans Wielders as much or likely muxh more than you. Thanks for asking.
Moments of brilliance but not good enough really.
Red McCabe yet.
Red McCabe First game out ..give them a chance
A mediocre performance. Reiko Ioane continues to disappoint and either Beauden Barrett or Damien McKenzie must go to allow a new 10 gain experience.
Unless there is a big improvement the Springbok will flog us.
Ted Sapien Reiko didn’t disappoint Damien played an attacking game Barrett kicked the. Points first time out and we won France team played well great game
June Tane I agree it was entertaining.
Ted Sapien mainly congested ball came Reikos left wing but handled that and covered his defensive tasks. Right wing managed clear ball on attack. Proctor found higher intensity issues, French stepped him to score.
Ted Sapien if you say so coach
Definitely not AN A B team
Clive Nevill for heaven sake that was the A Bs first game they will settle down no worries
Can’t doubt the man of the match performance of the Aussie TMO, forensically examining in finest slomo detail every AB try to try and find any reason in the previous 6-7 phases to cancel out the try….. yet never an intervention against the 🐸 ….. not suggesting an Aussie TMO bias against the ABs tho, just an observation 😉
not a good look for the All Blacks, they and media had been rubbishing France all week over them sending out a ‘very’ under strength side, the All Blacks only just won this game, what does that tell you?
Brian Emerson ..it was their first game….and it wasn’t the ABs A team…lost opportunities due to TMO calls didn’t help. French offside plays didn’t help either..Next game will be a different outcome…
Ross Raimona Possibly…time will reveal all 🙂
Brian Emerson that the Media are full of shit! Never once heard of the allblacks rubbishing the French team. It’s not what they do.
Graham Court Management made comments…keep up Graham…
Brian Emerson it’s only on social media. Fakebook. It’s not real. K. Good boy
Geez all these so called experts going on about how poor the allblacks played against a ‘so called ‘ French B team! This is the 1st allblacks game and it takes time to get the positions right and then fluidity in their game! Last thing they need is negativity from all the couch coaches who most likely represent the Scott Robinson haters club anyway!
Graham Court your a cunt.
Graham Court correct and and the All Blacks never play their best game first time up
Ivan McCabe that’s right
First game for them give them a chance.
Typical ABs season opener, great ambition and lots of unlucky errors. Very gritty effort for the young frogs. Really enjoyed it, but leaves a bit of pressure on the ABs to be slicker from here. Loved the effort from Holland. Bit disappointed with the imagination AND execution that BB showed. To much and poor attacking kicking and zero deception in distribution.
Jeremy Graham I agree with what you say about Beauden Barrett but incredibly few others , especially in the press and also the selectors , don’t agree with us. There is obviously no one on the coaching panel who has the guts or gumption to tell him what he is continuously doing wrong. Pathetic really …………….
French have depth,always said that.Isn’t about time NZ supporters start admitting that NH is just as good as SH rugby?
“ triumph “?????, come on now, the ABs barely won against a French C team, let’s be realistic here.
Regis Bernard tmo won the game
Tama Wayne Ashford low standards I see
Good but denied 3 tries score could have been over to the All Blacks
A lot of the French team won the last 3 under 20s world cup so the talent was there for us to see