Beauden Barrett stars as New Zealand end the year with another win

France 19-24 New Zealand, Stade de France
Scorecard

Beauden Barrett contributed with 19 points as New Zealand signed off the year with a 19-24 victory over France at Stade de France on Saturday.

It took New Zealand just six minutes to get off the mark with full-back Israel Dagg crossing over while Barrett added the conversion and followed it with a penalty nine minutes later to take the lead to 10-0.

Scrum half Maxime Machenaud provided some respite for France with a double penalty as the home team went into half time trailing by just four points.

The World Rugby Player of the year Barrett made his presence felt at Stade de France as he rumbled past the line just at the start of the second half while the extras helped New Zealand extend the lead to 11 points.

15 minutes later replacement Charlie Faumuina touched line to dash the home team hopes and by the 60th minute, New Zealand were leading by 24-9.

Number eight Louis Picamoles raised France hopes when he scored their first try in the 61st minute while replacement Baptiste Serin's conversion followed by a penalty brought the home close to All Blacks but eventually fell short by five points.