Tries: Buros, Boudehent, Bielle-Biarrey Cons: Ramos (3) Pens: Ramos (3)
New Zealand (17) 29
Tries: Lakai, Roigard Cons: B Barrett (2) Pens: B Barrett, McKenzie (4)
France fought back to edge out New Zealand and inflict their first defeat of the Autumn Nations Series campaign.
The All Blacks were also unable to avenge their opening-match defeat at last year’s Rugby World Cup, which was also played at Stade de France.
Scott Robertson’s side, who defeated England and Ireland in their opening two autumn internationals, cancelled out Thomas Ramos’ early penalty to score two first-half tries.
Flanker Peter Lakai powered over for his first international try, with scrum-half Cam Roigard intercepting Gregory Alldritt’s pass to extend the visitors’ advantage.
The hosts, who struggled with their scrum and line-out in the first half, reduced their deficit through debutant Romain Buros.
Paul Boudehent’s try from a maul restored faith in the line-out early in the second half, before 21-year-old Louis Bielle-Biarrey raced on to Ramos’ kick to grab a ninth international try.
Replacement fly-half Damian McKenzie boot proved to be the difference in Dublin on Friday and he kicked four penalties to keep the All Blacks in touch.
However, Ramos proved equally as clinical off the tee with 15 points to vindicate his selection over Matthieu Jalibert at fly-half for the second week in a row – he had played in the opening autumn win over Japan.
“We felt like we were in control and were pretty accurate in the first half,” All Blacks captain Ardie Savea told TNT Sports after his side’s losing run over France extended to three games.
“We didn’t hit our target, as we wanted win all our games [this autumn], so credit to the French squad.”
Fabien Galthie’s side play next on Friday against Argentina, who were defeated narrowly this weekend by Ireland, while New Zealand finish up their autumn tour against Italy on Saturday.
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