New Zealand ease past France with 16-36 triumph

France 16-36 New Zealand, Stade de France
Scorecard

New Zealand became the first international team to cross 2,000 Test tries as they overpowered France with a 16-36 triumph at Stade de France on Saturday.

France had four debutants named in their side but it was the All Blacks, who dominated the first quarter with tries from Dan Coles (8') and Waisake Naholo (21') while Beauden Barrett slotted two conversions and a penalty to make it 0-17.

Even though France opened their account with a touchdown from Teddy Thomas (26') they suffered a major setback when Rabah Slimani was sin-binned in the 33rd minute which New Zealand capitalised with Ryan Crotty (35') and Sam Cane (38') crossing over and Barrett was once again spot on with the extras.

The dominance from New Zealand meant they ended the first half with an 5-31 lead.

Fly-half Anthony Belleau scored his first points for France with a 41st minute penalty and their momentum was aided by a sin bin to Sonny Bill Williams for an intentional knock down that also resulted in a penalty try for the hosts. By the end of the 51st minute, France had narrowed down the gap to 15 points.

Thomas was denied a second try on 56 minutes as a foot had just gone into touch and Highlanders wing Naholo then touched down a late score to complete New Zealand's victory.