France vs New Zealand LIVE: Rugby result and final score as All Blacks conclude 2021 Autumn Nations Series
Les Bleus clinched a first victory over the All Blacks since 2009 and a first win at the Stade de France since 1973
France held off a second-half fightback from New Zealand to claim a 40-25 victory in Paris and end a 14-match losing streak against the All Blacks.
New Zealand, looking for an immediate response to last weekend’s 29-20 loss to Ireland, trailed 24-6 at half-time as a rampant Les Blues took complete control at the Stade de France.
However, three tries in 12 minutes after the interval - from Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane and Ardie Savea - saw New Zealand close to within two points of their hosts at 27-25, as well as becoming the first team in Test match history to score 100 tries in a single season.
At that point French hopes of a first win over the three-time World Cup winners since 2009 looked to be fading fast, but an incident in the 63rd minute saw the pendulum swing back their way.
Savea was sin-binned to reduce New Zealand to 14 men and France took full advantage with Melvyn Jaminet slotting over the resulting penalty before Damian Penaud broke away for an interception try.
At 37-25 down, there was no way back for New Zealand and France, who had seen Peato Mauvaka score twice either side of Romain Ntamack’s try in a dominant first-half display, wrapped up a memorable win with Jaminet’s late penalty.
Full time: France 40-25 New Zealand
Sam Whitelock: “It’s not how we wanted to finish our year. We wanted to start well and we didn’t do that. France came out and got on top of us early, it made it hard from the start.
“No excuses at all. They were just better than us tonight. It hurts me saying that but we just need to learn from it, grow and evolve. We’ve got a break now but we want to hold on to this feeling because we don’t want to feel it again.”
FULL TIME: FRANCE 40-25 NEW ZEALAND
Incredible scenes in the Stade de France. It’s their first victory over New Zealand in Paris since 1973!
This was the moment that France really sealed their famous win - although Ntamack’s run from behind his own try-line was probably the moment of the match.
FULL TIME: FRANCE 40-25 NEW ZEALAND
That is a stunning victory for France, a statement night for this young team.
Ntamack, Dupont, Jaminet, Woki and Mauvaka were extraordinary.
“For a lot of us this is the first time we’ve played the All Blacks, to beat them is a dream,” says Gregory Alldritt.
“We will celebrate this evening.”
FULL TIME: FRANCE 40-25 NEW ZEALAND
Jaminet stays perfect and just look at that score!
France have beaten the All Blacks for the first time since 2010, and have claimed their first victory on home soil in over 20 years!
What a match, what a night at the Stade de France.
New Zealand, battered and bruised, have now lost back to back matches for only the second time in 10 years.
France 37 -25 New Zealand
79 mins: Demba Bemba makes a big carry and New Zealand concede another penalty!
Jaminet will kick for the posts to seal an incredible French victory!
France 37 -25 New Zealand
78 mins: France win a penalty on halfway and that is greeted as if they had scored a try! France kick to the corner and are 60 seconds away from a famous win!
France 37 -25 New Zealand
77 mins: New Zealand withstand France’s pressure and are finally able to clear to touch in order to get up the pitch.
Time is running out for the All Blacks though. France are almost there.
France 37 -25 New Zealand
74 mins: Incredible tenacity from Dupont who, with France camped five metres out, charges straight into a couple of big challenges.
New Zealand kick clear but it doesn’t reach touch - and France come again! It was worked wide to Penaud, who chipped towards the line, and Damian McKenzie was swallowed up behind his try-line.
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