In a performance that could be described more as a scramble than a showcase, the All Blacks narrowly squeaked past a less experienced French team, marking their 500th Test win with more relief than elation. On a chilly Dunedin evening, the scene was less about celebration and more about survival as New Zealand claimed a nail-biting 31-27 victory.
The match kicked off with an early shake-up when New Zealand wing Sevu Reece took a hit to the head in the opening exchanges, making way for Will Jordan's switch from fullback to wing and bringing Damian McKenzie onto the field. The All Blacks seemed to be reeling from the reshuffle, as France, energized by youth and inexperience, snagged the lead with a penalty and a try by Mickael Guillard.
Despite an initial setback with Jordie Barrett’s disallowed try due to a knock-on, New Zealand swiftly found their rhythm. Will Jordan, benefiting from a slick pass from Beauden Barrett, placed the first points for the All Blacks. Tupou Vai’i then bulldozed his way to give New Zealand a fleeting lead, capped by a Jordie Barrett try right before the halftime whistle.
The second half was an intense tug-of-war with France refusing to back down. Gabin Villiere immediately responded post-break, slicing the lead to a mere point. But Jordan, not to be outdone, landed his second try of the night, marking his 40th in Test rugby. The French, however, remained relentless, with Jacobus van Tonder nearly scoring, only for Cameron Woki to finish the job.
"It was a tough game, and credit to France, they really pushed us all the way,"
admitted an All Black player post-match, highlighting the unexpectedly fierce competition.
Despite being a man down after Villiere received a yellow card, France kept the pressure mounting, with the All Blacks squandering key opportunities due to disallowed tries from Billy Proctor and Jordan. A late Beauden Barrett penalty seemed to secure a bit more breathing room, but the French were quick to counter, threatening until the final whistle.
With the clock dwindling down, a critical knock-on by France allowed New Zealand to cling to possession and eventually the win, albeit with more sighs of relief than roars of triumph from the home crowd. It was a victory, yes, but one that could only be described as uncomfortably close.
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In a performance that could be described more as a scramble than a showcase, the All Blacks narrowly squeaked past a less experienced French team, marking their 500th Test win with more relief than elation. On a chilly Dunedin evening, the scene was less about celebration and more about survival as New Zealand claimed a nail-biting 31-27 victory.
The match kicked off with an early shake-up when New Zealand wing Sevu Reece took a hit to the head in the opening exchanges, making way for Will Jordan's switch from fullback to wing and bringing Damian McKenzie onto the field. The All Blacks seemed to be reeling from the reshuffle, as France, energized by youth and inexperience, snagged the lead with a penalty and a try by Mickael Guillard.
Despite an initial setback with Jordie Barrett’s disallowed try due to a knock-on, New Zealand swiftly found their rhythm. Will Jordan, benefiting from a slick pass from Beauden Barrett, placed the first points for the All Blacks. Tupou Vai’i then bulldozed his way to give New Zealand a fleeting lead, capped by a Jordie Barrett try right before the halftime whistle.
The second half was an intense tug-of-war with France refusing to back down. Gabin Villiere immediately responded post-break, slicing the lead to a mere point. But Jordan, not to be outdone, landed his second try of the night, marking his 40th in Test rugby. The French, however, remained relentless, with Jacobus van Tonder nearly scoring, only for Cameron Woki to finish the job.
"It was a tough game, and credit to France, they really pushed us all the way,"
admitted an All Black player post-match, highlighting the unexpectedly fierce competition.Despite being a man down after Villiere received a yellow card, France kept the pressure mounting, with the All Blacks squandering key opportunities due to disallowed tries from Billy Proctor and Jordan. A late Beauden Barrett penalty seemed to secure a bit more breathing room, but the French were quick to counter, threatening until the final whistle.
With the clock dwindling down, a critical knock-on by France allowed New Zealand to cling to possession and eventually the win, albeit with more sighs of relief than roars of triumph from the home crowd. It was a victory, yes, but one that could only be described as uncomfortably close.