France defeated All Blacks to achieve a record third successive win

PARIS (AP) — France shook off a sloppy start to beat New Zealand 30-29 on Saturday for the third straight time in a nail-biting autumn rugby test at the Stade de France.

The French equaled their best winning streak against the All Blacks of 1994-95 in a breathtaking match that lived up to the hype. The 27 turnovers were evidence of ruthless defense on both sides.

“This victory will do us a lot of good, that’s for sure. It is a prestigious victory,” said French coach Fabien Galthié. “The good thing is that the players showed great spirit even when they were struggling.”

Galthié and his staff ended up celebrating exuberantly. “Sometimes it’s good to let your emotions flow. It was 100% joy. We are very proud of the players.”

New Zealand shot to 14-3 and 17-10 at halftime. But France turned the momentum around in the new half with converted tries from winger Paul Boudehent and winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey marking the turning point. They put France ahead 24-17.

From there, Frenchman Thomas Ramos and New Zealand replacement Damian McKenzie traded penalties until the end, with the All Blacks always on the hunt, and within one point with five minutes remaining.

Both teams were faultless from the tee, adding to the tension.

“It gives you a lot of confidence to beat a great team like this, especially considering the form they have been in and the players they have,” France captain Antoine Dupont said. “There were many moments when we struggled defensively. But we didn’t panic (when we were behind) because we knew we could turn the tide.”

The stakes were clear from the second minute when the head of All Blacks winger Samipeni Finau collided with the knee of France prop Tevita Tatafu. Finau came off and Tatafu only held on for a while.

Finau’s replacement, Peter Lakai, scored the opening try after Ardie Savea knocked over three defenders. The New Zealand scrum was the platform for his second try, when scrumhalf Cam Roigard stopped No. 8 Grégory Alldritt and stole his intended pass to Dupont.

Dupont made little impression until the 33rd, when the French phases reduced New Zealand and he picked Ramos to send on fullback Romain Buros for a try-on debut.

Boudehent’s string of second-half tries in the 52-12 win against Japan last Saturday earned him a start and his try from a lineout maul in the 44th leveled the score.

“We really wanted to put in a good performance,” said Boudehent. “But we have to keep our feet on the ground. It’s just one game (and) we shouldn’t get ahead of ourselves.”

New Zealand returned to the attack, but a missed pass was collected by Ramos, who kicked onto the pitch. Bielle-Biarrey then treated Anton Lienert Brown and Sevu Reece to the ball and scored the decisive try.

France never trailed again.

Ramos went six-for-six and kicked for goal, while McKenzie hit four-four after taking over from Beauden Barrett.

France have won all of their last three games with the All Blacks at the Stade de France; 40-25 in the autumn of 2021 and 27-13 in the Rugby World Cup opener 14 months ago.

‘It’s done, it’s now in writing. They have been here three times and it has been difficult matches every time,” said Galthié. “It’s a great satisfaction.”

The defeat was New Zealand’s first on its northern tour after beating Japan, England and Ireland. The All Blacks move to Italy, while France host Argentina next Friday. ___

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