All Blacks fend off fierce challenge to overcome French side in gritty opening Test in Dunedin

This article was originally published on Stuff and is shared here with permission.

The All Blacks kicked off their Test season with a nail-biting four-point victory over a depleted yet formidable French side.

Despite the early departure of Sevu Reece, the All Blacks managed to score four tries, with Beauden Barrett steering a backline that showed flashes of brilliance. However, the match also revealed some defensive weaknesses that will require swift rectification.

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A yellow card for France’s winger Gabin Villiere opened the door for the All Blacks to secure the win, but Will Jordan was thwarted in his bid for a third try when referee Nic Berry deemed that replacement prop Pasilio Tosi had obstructed a French defender in the lead-up.

This decision set the stage for a tense last 15 minutes as the French sensed an upset was possible.

Even with a significant advantage in possession and territory during the final 30 minutes, the All Blacks found it challenging to breach a solid French defence. It took a last-minute effort from Beauden Barrett to provide a vital four-point cushion with just six minutes remaining.

In the end, that late score was enough to secure the win, as the French couldn’t capitalise on their last possession, despite a spirited effort.

The All Blacks’ selection yielded mixed results. Fabian Holland and Christian Lio-Willie were both impressive, providing solid lineout support and ramping up the physicality of the match. Holland played the entire 80 minutes, while captain Scott Barrett made his exit just over 20 minutes from full-time.

Midfielder Billy Proctor was instrumental in the lead-up to the All Blacks’ third try, although he also found himself on the wrong end of a defensive lapse that allowed France to score.

Rieko Ioane endured a challenging match on the wing, misjudging the second-half restart and failing to deliver a long pass after being put through a gap.

Reece exited the field within the first minute after apparently knocking himself out in a tackle attempt.

He mistakenly positioned his head while attempting to tackle France’s No.10 Joris Segonds and was swiftly replaced by Damian McKenzie, with Will Jordan moving to the right wing.

The All Blacks seemed to be operating on Super Rugby autopilot during the opening 10 minutes, appearing somewhat frantic in their play as they attempted to launch attacks deep from their own half.

The French seized the early kicking contest, with debutant No.10 Joris Segonds demonstrating a deft kicking ability.

For the opening quarter, the All Blacks struggled to exit their half, and just when Jordie Barrett thought he had ignited a comeback with a try following a break from Cameron Roigard, it was ruled out for an earlier knock-on.

France capitalised on the All Blacks’ misfortune, scoring a brilliant try as fullback Theo Attissogbe outpaced Proctor on the outside, allowing No.8 Mickael Guillard to barge over from close range.

The All Blacks needed a quick response and they found it, with Will Jordan scoring in the corner after a slick interplay, courtesy of Beauden Barrett’s well-timed pass.

This sparked a productive 15-minute spell for the All Blacks, with McKenzie looking particularly menacing with the ball.

Tupou Vaa’i crossed over following one of McKenzie’s dynamic runs, and just before halftime, Jordie Barrett added another try at the right corner.

Beauden Barrett, in fine kicking form, successfully converted a challenging attempt, putting the All Blacks ahead 21-13 at the break.

Final Score: New Zealand 31 (Will Jordan 2, Tupou Vaa’i, Jordie Barrett tries; Beauden Barrett 4 conversions, 1 penalty) France 27 (Mickael Guillard, Gabin Villiere, Cameron Woki tries; Nolann Le Garrec 3 conversions, 1 penalty, Joris Segonds penalty). HT: 21-13