The All Blacks opened the inaugural Nations Championship with a thrilling 34-32 victory over France in Christchurch on Saturday, marking the first Test under new head coach Dave Rennie. Despite fielding an under-strength side missing players from top clubs Toulouse and Montpellier, France pushed New Zealand to the limit in a high-paced encounter.
Fast start for France
France coach Fabien Galthie set a frantic tempo from the outset, with his side playing with great pace and accuracy. Record French try scorer Damian Penaud crossed the line in just the second minute to take his tally to 41 Test tries. The buildup saw full-back Max Spring hit high by Ruben Love, earning the fly-half a yellow card and a disastrous start for the Rennie era.
Down a man, New Zealand found their footing in the eighth minute when wing Will Jordan scored after captain Ardie Savea earned a turnover in good position. However, France dominated the breakdown, winning quick ball and disrupting the All Blacks' defense.
All Blacks fight back
After Love's return, New Zealand's running game ignited, with Love and Damian McKenzie making incursions into French territory. In the 21st minute, Peter Lakai gave the All Blacks the lead following a McKenzie break and a fine inside pass from Caleb Clarke. French penalties from Maxime Lucu nudged the visitors back in front until a Cam Roigard snipe from the back of the ruck gave New Zealand a 19-13 halftime lead.
Second-half drama
France started the second half faster, with Antoine Hastoy scoring in the 47th minute after a basketball-style pass from Theo Attissogbe over three defenders. Roigard responded with his second try moments later, but Attissogbe struck for France after a Fabien Brau-Boirie try was disallowed for a knock-on. Jordan then scored to move joint second all time for the All Blacks with 47 Test tries, giving New Zealand a 34-25 lead with nine minutes remaining.
France fought back again, with Matthieu Jalibert bundling over the line with two minutes left. However, New Zealand's forwards retained possession from the restart to see out the clock and secure the victory.
