On a historic night at Te Kaha in Christchurch, rugby was celebrated in style as the All Blacks edged out France 34-32 in a thrilling encounter that lived up to the high expectations set by previous fixtures. This match marked a significant return of Test rugby to Christchurch after a 15-year hiatus, with the newly opened stadium playing host to a game that perfectly balanced French flair and Kiwi strategic prowess. Here are five key takeaways from the game that showcased high-tempo rugby played under the roof of Te Kaha.
The match was a testament to the tactical nous of both teams, with the All Blacks opting for a bold strategy of retaining possession and minimizing kicks to avoid feeding the French back three's lethal counter-attacks. This approach paid dividends as it forced the French defense to tire from constant tackling, highlighted by the 20 missed tackles in the first half alone. The All Blacks' ability to keep the ball alive was crucial, with phase counts frequently surpassing 17, demonstrating their tactical discipline and fitness.
Cam Roigard was a standout performer, orchestrating the pace and flow of the All Blacks' gameplay with precision. His two tries were a product of opportunistic play and strategic brilliance. Roigard's performance did not just light up the scoreboard but also set the tone for what might be expected in the Dave Rennie era. "Cam Roigard’s performance today was absolutely incredible. He justified every selection decision with his play," Rennie remarked after the game.
"For a nine, scoring four tries in four Tests is absurd, and Cam Roigard’s first try was pure snipe,"
Despite the narrow scoreline, the All Blacks showcased resilience, coming from behind and adapting to the sin-binning of Ruben Love early in the match. Their character was further tested and proven when they continued to execute their game plan effectively, even when reduced to 14 men.
France, on the other hand, despite missing several key players, demonstrated why their depth should be a cause of concern for all. The likes of Yoram Moefana and Oscar Jégou stepped up, showing that the French squad's talent pool runs deep. The French attack was fluid and incisive, making the most of every offload and line break, but their defense ultimately let them down, a point that French coach Fabien Galthié highlighted post-match. "The defense gave this Test away. We will need to work on this aspect vigorously come winter," he admitted.
The game not only marked a victorious return for the All Blacks at Te Kaha but also set the stage for what promises to be an enthralling build-up to the World Cup. Both teams have shown that they can play exhilarating rugby, and if this match is anything to go by, rugby fans are in for a treat as these teams continue to evolve and adapt their strategies.