All Blacks edge France 34-32 in Nations Championship opener

New Zealand 34-32 France, Christchurch

The All Blacks overcame a rusty start and a first-half yellow card to beat France 34-32 in Christchurch, giving Dave Rennie victory in his first Test as head coach.

France were missing several leading players, but they made the better start at One New Zealand Stadium. Damian Penaud crossed for an early try after finding space in the All Blacks defence, and New Zealand’s problems increased when Ruben Love was shown a yellow card for a high tackle in the build-up.

Jordan And Lakai Spark Response

Despite being down to 14 men, the All Blacks responded through Will Jordan, who produced an acrobatic finish in the right corner. With Love off the field, Damian McKenzie missed the conversion.

France then added a penalty to move 10-5 ahead, but New Zealand improved once Love returned from the sin bin. Caleb Clarke created the next opening, providing the final pass for Peter Lakai to score. Love converted to put the hosts 12-10 in front.

France regained the lead with another penalty, but the All Blacks finished the half strongly. Cam Roigard crossed for their third try, and Love converted to give New Zealand a 19-13 lead at half-time.

France Keep Fighting Back

France started the second half with purpose and went back in front when Jalibert set up Antoine Hastoy over the line and Lucu converted to make it 19-20.

New Zealand hit back almost immediately as Roigard grabbed his second try of the match. Love added the conversion, restoring the All Blacks’ advantage at 26-20.

France then thought they had scored through Fabien Brau-Boirie after a dropped high ball, but the try was ruled out for a knock-on in the build-up. The visitors were not denied for long, with Théo Attissogbé finishing in the corner. The missed conversion left New Zealand narrowly ahead at 26-25.

Jordan Double Seals Nervy Win

The All Blacks kicked a penalty to extend their lead to 29-25 before Fehi Fineanganofo and Xavier Numia came on to make their Test debuts.

Jordan then scored his second try after a strong spell of continuity, pushing New Zealand out to 34-25 with 10 minutes left.

France refused to go away. Jalibert forced his way over from close range to cut the gap to two points, but the All Blacks held on to claim a hard-fought 34-32 win.

The All Blacks next face Italy in Wellington.

Team line up:

New Zealand XV: McKenzie; Jordan, Tupaea, J Barrett, Clarke; Love, Roigard; De Groot, Taylor, Newell, Lord, Darry, Lakai, Jacobson, Savea (capt).

Reserves: Aumua, Numia, Lomax, Hannah, Sititi, Ratima, Proctor.

France XV: M Spring; Penaud, Brau Boirie, Moefana, Attissogbe; Jalibert, Lucu (capt); Poirot, Lamothe, Bamba, Auradou, Staniforth, Bochaton, Jegou, Gazzotti.

Reserves: Massa, Wardi, Montagne, Guillard, Tixeront, Le Garrec, Hastoy, Depoortere.